49ers hit with surprising news regarding Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook
The news the NFL world has been waiting for finally arrived Thursday when NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported the Minnesota Vikings will release Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook if a trade can't be finalized by Friday. It's highly unlikely a trade happens. Therefore, Cook should become a free agent once the Vikings finalize the […]
The news the NFL world has been waiting for finally arrived Thursday when NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported the Minnesota Vikings will release Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook if a trade can't be finalized by Friday.
It's highly unlikely a trade happens. Therefore, Cook should become a free agent once the Vikings finalize the move.
And the San Francisco 49ers should be considered as one of the teams that have a shot at landing him?
That's what the oddsmakers over at Betonline.ag think. Per Betonline, the 49ers are tied with the New England Patriots for the seventh-best odds to land Cook at 14-1:
Could this actually happen? Could Dalvin Cook join the 49ers?
In theory, yes. Cook could end up on the 49ers.
Right now, the team has a little more than $10 million in cap space, but it could create even more with the eventual Nick Bosa extension. Money isn't an issue, whatsoever.
Fit isn't an issue, either. The 49ers obviously run a very effective, zone-based run scheme that Cook has excelled in over the course of his entire career. He also gives the 49ers another versatile back that can run, pass, and pass block. Meaning, Kyle Shanahan's already super-versatile offense could get even more versatile, which is a terrifying thought for the opposing 31 NFL defenses. The 49ers would easily have the top RB duo in the NFL and a top-5 wide receiver duo in Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. Don't forget George Kittle at tight end and Trent Williams at left tackle.
The 49ers roster isn't completely set at running back behind McCaffrey, either. Sure, Elijah Mitchell has shown a lot of promise, but he hasn't shown an ability to consistently stay on the field. Jordan Mason had a really good rookie season, but the 49ers are in their Super Bowl window. Adding Cook would only open that window even more in terms of the size of the opportunity. The 49ers would have an extremely strong rotation with the above quartet and would protect themselves from a steep drop-off in case an injury where to occur.
And, finally, if Brock Purdy can't return to last year's form, Trey Lance continues to underperform, and Sam Darnold keeps Sam Darnolding, then having a RB duo like this would be a major help in overcoming poor quarterback play.
Now, will it actually happen? I'd say no. Crazier things have happened before, though, so the door isn't completely closed – only ever-so-slightly cracked open.
Featured image via Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
