Chef Dalvin still not a free agent. The Minnesota Vikings supposedly intending to release him on Friday, but in theory they could still make a trade. Either way, he’s on the move.
The seventh year running back has just ended a season in which he played all 17 games and made 264 runs, 1,173 yards of charge and 8 hasty touchdowns. He also had 39 catches in 295 receptions and two touches. He’s 27 and still the archetype of running power in the NFL: 5 foot-10, 210 pounds.
At this point in the season, every team has the lead. It’s just a question of quality. Cook will likely have to find a home with a team with a solid defence.
Which team needs an upgrade at RB? Or, which team needs another offensive weapon, regardless of their talent in the RB position?
Let’s take a look.
This is the team that I find the most obvious fit. Current Miami defenders include Raheem Mostertrookie Devon Achane And Chasing Edmonds. It’s not a great cast. But if the Dolphins start the season with that group, that won’t be a problem, as the offense will overtake the passing attack.
But add Cook?
The signing could make the Dolphins the scariest offense in the NFL. He brings an element of strength to their attack that the team sorely lacks in 2022.
In the fourth week of 2022, Javonte Williams tore his ACL and LCL, bringing his season to an end. And while that will give him plenty of time to recover, he may not be back in top form. He may need more time before reaching 100%.
Williams’ backup, Samaje’s perineum, is an outsized power runner. But Cook has in recent years shown that he can contribute to passing play, which will come in handy for coach Sean Payton, who has made the most of it. Alvin Kamara as a versatile threat in New Orleans. Maybe Payton exploits Cook’s multidimensionality.
Most of what I write about Denver applies to New York.
Breece’s Hall will be back from an ACL injury and it will likely take some time before he is truly comfortable with his knee. Cook is significant for this team, as the running game will be crucial to the Jets’ attack under new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. With Aaron Rodgers likely to retire within the next two years, the Jets need to add talent to their roster for this short championship term.
Houston has through daemonwho had an excellent rookie season, and Single Devinwho is just fine with buffalo bill in his first four seasons. Texans GM Nick Caserio comes from the Bill Belichick team building tree, and in New England, patriot does not tend to have a return lead. They follow the committee.
Cook will also ease the pressure on the rookie midfielder CJ Strouda pocket passer will demand more from his back runs than the dual threat QBs currently in vogue.
Cincinnati’s lead is Joe Mixonwho recently pleaded not guilty to charges that he pointed a gun at a woman earlier this year.
“His future is here with the team,” coach Zac Taylor said in his post-draft press conference, via ESPN’s Baby Ben. “I like Joe Mixon.”
The Bengali now have the option to cut the Mixon and sign Cook. Maybe they prefer Mixon less, with a strong alternative in Cook.
I included them as a bit of an afterthought. But Dalvin’s brother, James Cook, is in Buffalo and I imagine Dalvin could sign a one-year contract to play with his family. Otherwise, the Invoice is a stretch. They just signed a contract with the veteran who ran back Latavius Murray And Damien Harris. They are having a lot of trouble with the salary cap in 2023 and 2024.
But what if Dalvin took a big discount to play with James? Why not?
Prior to joining FOX Sports as an AFC East correspondent, Henry McKenna spent seven years covering patriots for USA TODAY Sports Media Corporation and Boston Globe Media. Follow him on Twitter at @McKennAnalytics.
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