Dalvin Cook fuels rumors with cryptic Instagram story
Is Dalvin Cook destined for a homecoming?
Shortly after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Thursday that the Minnesota Vikings are planning to release the star running back, Cook took to social media to further fuel speculation of his interest in joining the Miami Dolphins.
Cook posted a photo of himself on his Instagram story exiting the field at Hard Rock Stadium after a 24-16 win over Miami on Oct. 16. Hard Rock Stadium is, of course, the home stadium of the Dolphins.
Cook, 27, is a South Florida native who played his high school ball at Miami Central before starring at Florida State on the collegiate level. Multiple league sources believe Cook is "very much intrigued" by the idea of joining the Dolphins, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Dolphins nearly traded for Cook in March but ultimately opted to stay put ahead of the NFL Draft. Miami went on to use a third-round selection on running back Devon Achane. While an explosive player in space during his time at Texas A&M, the 188-pounder Achane doesn't exactly fit the mold of a workhorse back in the NFL.
Miami did re-sign veterans Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert to modest deals this offseason. The duo combined for 1,283 rushing yards in 2022, but neither has eclipsed 891 yards in a single season over their careers. As for Cook, the reigning Pro Bowler is coming off his fourth-consecutive 1,000-yard campaign.
While Cook may be on the backend of his prime, he'd automatically jump to the top of Miami's depth chart and give the running presence necessary to open up the passing game for star wideouts Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
The Vikings are holding out hope that they'll be able to trade Cook by the end of the day — a move that would save them an additional $2M on top of the $9M they would save by cutting him. Minnesota plans to process Cook's official release on Friday if it fails to find a trade suitor.
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