The Miami Dolphins are reportedly interested in running back Dalvin Cook, who may be on the move from the Minnesota Vikings. Cook, a South Florida native, has been one of the NFL’s top rushers since entering the league in 2017, despite playing in fewer games than most of his counterparts in the category’s top 10. In 2022, he ran for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns, although his yards per touch were at a career-low of 4.8. Despite this, Cook played an entire season for the first time, which is a good sign for the 27-year-old.
Does it Make Sense for the Dolphins?
It remains to be seen whether Cook to the Dolphins makes sense. Dolphins General Manager Chris Grier is known to perform his due diligence whenever a high-caliber player is available. Sources say the Dolphins inquired about running back D’Andre Swift after the Detroit Lions selected Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round of last month’s NFL draft. However, Grier ultimately selected running back Devon Achane two rounds after the Lions took Gibbs. The Dolphins also re-signed all four of their free agents at the position, including leading rushers Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr.
The Dolphins finished 25th in rushing yards in 2022, which coach Mike McDaniel attributed to his playcalling rather than the players carrying the ball. McDaniel said, “Ultimately we had the opportunity to bring two of our strongest character contributors and really players we depend on in Raheem and Jeff. They’re both, I think, above 4.7 yards per carry. I think there’d be a little bit of a different feeling if we didn’t run the ball because they didn’t run the ball well. We didn’t run the ball well in games that we were overly injured or some games I just didn’t call enough runs.”
Cook has traditionally been a workhorse back with the Vikings, but the Dolphins’ running backs room is too deep for him to carry that role into South Florida. So, if he’s looking for carries, there are better options than Miami. He probably also would have to take a pay cut in the event he signed with the Dolphins. He is due $11 million this season if he remains in Minnesota, and it’s unlikely a Dolphins offer would be close to that, even with roughly $13 million of salary cap space opening up after June 1.
There are several factors that complicate a possible homecoming for Cook. But ultimately, the Dolphins are gearing up for a Super Bowl run this year, and adding talent could help steer them toward that goal.
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