Dolphins could end up facing Dalvin Cook twice in 2023
The Miami Dolphins appear to be ready to roll this fall with the running back group currently practicing at the Baptist Health Training Complex. And with Raheem Mostert back after turning in a solid 2022 and the team adding speedster De'Von Achane in the draft, it's understandable why the team might not be rushing out […]
The Miami Dolphins appear to be ready to roll this fall with the running back group currently practicing at the Baptist Health Training Complex.
And with Raheem Mostert back after turning in a solid 2022 and the team adding speedster De'Von Achane in the draft, it's understandable why the team might not be rushing out to sign a free agent running back.
However, a player to whom Miami have been tied to among media outlets and message boards might be ready to sign with someone the Dolphins could see on the field multiple times this fall.
Dalvin Cook is reportedly flying to New York to meet with the Jets, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Cook couldn't help but take a dig at the Dolphins in the process:
Cook was released by the Vikings back on June 9, leaving him as one of the more intriguing free agents on the market. He's coming off his fourth straight Pro Bowl season in 2022, where he also totaled over 1100 rushing yards for the fourth straight season. His best year came in 2020, when he totaled 1557 yards on the ground and 16 touchdowns.
However, with Cook reportedly seeking a substantial pay day and teams reluctant to pay running backs top dollar, he's remained an available option as teams gear up for the start of the 2023 season.
The Jets are an interesting team for Cook's services, as they have a potential star in the making in RB Breece Hall. However, Hall tore his ACL in Week 7 last year and is currently on the PUP list, so it's unclear how soon he'll be ready to return. No one else on the Jets' RB roster is of Cook's ilk, so if the money is right, he could make a lot of sense for a New York team that's clearly taking a swing for the fences with Aaron Rodgers at QB.
It appears the Jets may not be the only AFC East team getting serious about Cook, as the Patriots are also reportedly trying to bring Cook up for a visit.
The Dolphins are likely going to go with Mostert as their starting running back to start the year. As he averaged basically five yards a carry last year and is another year removed from his 2021 knee injury, it's not hard to understand why they're content with going with Mostert and not paying Cook the hefty money he's apparently looking for.
However, Miami's talented defense could still have to deal with the possible fallout from such a decision. They saw what Cook could do in 2022, as he had the previously shown 53-yard touchdown run against the Dolphins' defense in Minnesota's 24-16 win.
Now, it's possible they might have to try to do it twice more in 2023.
Dalvin Cook reportedly talking with Patriots about a potential visit
The New England Patriots are interested in one of the best available NFL free agents.
Featured image via Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports
