The Minnesota Vikings have begun to drop some veterans from their roster, and running star Dalvin Cook could be next to leave.
According to ESPN Jeremy Fowler, many teams believe that Minnesota hosted the trade talks for Cook. On Wednesday, Minnesota re-signed RB Alexander Mattison, 24, who has been productive when given a heavy workload and could become this season’s starter.
IN 2023Cook’s maximum cap is $14.1 million, followed by $15.6 million in 2024 and $13.5 million in 2025. He will be a freelance in 2026 and not intend to reduce wages.
Here are three possibilities for a four-time Pro Bowler match if Minnesota decides to trade him:
Atlanta Falcon
A striking bombardment under HC Arthur Smith might be the perfect spot to maximize Cook’s remaining production seasons. Only Philadelphia averages more rush attempts per game than Atlanta last season, and the Falcons will remain near the top of the league in rushing efforts into 2023.
Atlanta had the highest-rated running block unit by Pro Football Focus last season (83.7), and it just re-signed guard Chris Lindstrom and settled Kaleb McGary for long-term deals.
RBs Cordarrelle Patterson and Tyler Allgeier are still on the list. However, Cook could replace Patterson, who was phased out of offense at the end of the season as Allgeier emerged as an effective contributor. As a rookie, Allgeier, who was picked in the fifth round, was seventh among NFL RBs in yards per take (4.9).
With many Mondays lid space in the NFL, Atlanta could buy Cook’s lucrative contract, and the open NFC South could give him another chance to make it to the knockout stages.
buffalo bill
RB Single Devin, the only Bills player with more javelin than QB Josh Allen since 2018, is a free agent and it is unclear if he will return. Cook’s younger brother, James, burst onto the scene as Buffalo’s rookie last season, but he may not be as brilliant at the three-point lineback.
The older Cook would ultimately be better suited to act as an additional supporter, and what better successor to act as a mentor to his brother? Buffalo restructured Allen and OLB Von Miller’s contracts on Monday, freeing up $32 million in cap space. More salaries are likely to be adjusted, creating plenty of room for Cook’s contract.
Buffalo hasn’t had a 1,000-yard machine since LeSean McCoy in 2017. Chef, who crossed 1,100 yards over the past four seasons, could end this record. He may be the missing piece for the Allen’s Bills to finally reach the Super Bowl.
Chicago bear
After trading #1 overall options for a substantial profit, Bears enjoyed some early free agency success. However, they lost to David Montgomery to the Lions on Tuesday and had to replace his 801 yards last season.
As GM Ryan Poles builds an attack that matches QB’s Justin Fields strengths, he’ll need to bring in a running talent back to ease Fields’ rushing workload. By adding Cook to the backyard with Fields and RB Khalil Herbert, there is a real possibility bears will lead the league in rushing pace for the second consecutive season.
While it can be difficult to strike a deal with a divisional competitor, Chicago has limited draft options and excess space to facilitate a worthwhile transaction. The combination of their multiple picks in the fourth, fifth, and seventh rounds should suffice, considering the recent commercial returns of various stars around the NFL.
