NFL Analysis Network

4 Teams Who Should Pursue A Trade For Vikings RB Dalvin Cook

Desperate times call for desperate measures and that is exactly what the Minnesota Vikings could be facing. Given their uncertain salary cap situation, as they are more than $14 million over the cap, they could look to trade some veterans to clear some cap space. One player who could be on the move is running back Dalvin Cook.

With a new general manager in Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in place, pretty much anyone can be on the chopping block. He and new head coach Matt Eberflus will be looking to bring in new players that fit their vision for how the team should look.

One of the players that could be on the move in the coming weeks is running back Dalvin Cook. Cook has cemented himself as one of the premier running backs in the league, rushing for at least 1,135 yards in three consecutive seasons.

Minnesota would assuredly love to keep him, but their hand could be forced because of the salary cap. Playing under a five-year, $63 million contract, the Vikings may not be able to afford him.

He should garner a good amount of interest on the trade block. Here are four teams that should pursue a trade for Dalvin Cook in the coming weeks.

4. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have their own salary cap issues to sift through and a lot of their focus this offseason will be on improving their relationship with quarterback Kyler Murray. But, their skill positions could use some attention this offseason as well.

Their top two running backs from 2021, Chase Edmonds and James Conner, are both free agents this offseason. If they are unable to retain them or want to move on, Cook is someone they could consider.

Cook would create a dynamic backfield pairing with Murray, who is one of the bright young stars at the quarterback position in the NFL. Having a player such as Cook to rely on in the running game would help take some pressure off of him.

3. New York Jets

The Jets will be in the market to upgrade the weapons around quarterback Zach Wilson this offseason. Wilson showed improvements near the end of his rookie season and taking that next step the team is hoping for him to take would be easier with better weapons around him.

A lot of people focus on the pass-catching weapons to help a young quarterback, but a good running game is a quarterback’s best friend. The Jets saw some promise from Michael Carter last season out of the backfield, but he isn’t on the level of someone such as Cook.

Cook would provide the Jets offense with a go-to player in crunch time that can take over a game. He has improved a lot as a pass-catcher throughout his career, making him a true dual-threat for opponents to keep track of.

2. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins have done very little to help elevate the performance of Tua Tagovailoa during his seasons in the NFL. But, heading into his third season, it is time for that to change.

Bringing in someone that can lead the backfield would help this offense immensely. Last season Myles Gaskin and Salvon Ahmed both struggled mightily as the most effective running back that the Dolphins had was Duke Johnson.

Cook would come in and provide the team with an early-down presence that they have been missing. Gaskin is someone that would fit the role as a pass-catching back, so he would be a good change of pace for when Cook needs a breather.

Adding an all-purpose back would help Tagovailoa bring his game to a level we haven’t seen yet in the NFL. 

1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers fell short of their quest to repeat as Super Bowl champs, losing to the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round of the postseason. Tom Brady’s subsequent retirement likely changed their offseason plans, but they are in a position to still compete in 2022.

One area that could need a boost is at running back. If the team loses Leonard Fournette in free agency, they will need to replace him, unless they are confident in Ronald Jones and Ke’Shawn Vaughn. If not, they could try and pry Cook from the Vikings for a mid-late round pick.

Cook would help the Buccaneers establish the run game as their aerial offense is likely to take a hit without Brady under center. Having Cook in the fold to offset that loss would make life easier for whoever takes over as the starting quarterback.

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