Former New England Patriots team captain Devin McCourty believes the market for free-agent running back Dalvin Cook is “open for business!”
McCourty — who announced his retirement after 13 seasons with the Patriots earlier this offseason — playfully shared his sentiments regarding Cook’s free agency on the heels of a recent report from ESPN’s NFL Live indicating that the four-time Pro Bowler is still considering his options before determining his new football home for 2023.
Per ESPN’s Jeff Darlington, the Miami Dolphins still remain interested in acquiring Cook’s services. In fact, they currently have a contract offer to him on the table. While Cook, in turn, remains interested in Miami, he is seemingly not ‘willing to commit’ to the Fins current proposal. In other words, his position may indicate either an interest in other teams, or use as a leveraging tactic to increase Miami’s present offer.
Accordingly, McCourty was quick to weigh in on the potential meaning behind Cook’s latest contractual stand.
Despite Miami remaining his most logical destination, rumors continue to circulate surrounding the Patriots possible interest in acquiring Cook. Following the release of James Robinson in June, New England has reputedly been in the market for a dual-threat back to complement top runner Rhamondre Stevenson. Though receiver DeAndre Hopkins has been the Pats primary free agent target, several NFL analysts have listed New England as a potential fit.
“My sense after asking around is the Patriots are at least intrigued,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said during a recent SportsCenter appearance. “They have a bit of a need at running back because they released James Robinson, so they want a back they can pair with Rhamondre Stevenson. And Bill Belichick does sense the urgency — that’s why they’ve been on DeAndre Hopkins, too — an urgency to improve that offense.”
On the field, Cook is still one of the best running backs in the NFL. In 2022 with the Minnesota Vikings, Cook rushed for 1,173 yards with eight rushing touchdowns. He added 39 receptions, 295 receiving yards, and a pair of receiving touchdowns. During the Vikings’ Wild Card match against the New York Giants, Cook had 15 carries for 60 rushing yards and 6 receptions for 10 yards in the 24-31 loss.
Still, Minnesota cut ties with their top rusher for financial reasons in early June. Cook was set to earn base salaries of $10.4 million in 2023 and $11.9 million in 2024. Initial reports indicated that he was seeking a deal which his new team would pay him similarly. However, it is unclear as to whether Cook has lowered his asking price.
With the Patriots, Cook would immediately become a 1-A option alongside Stevenson. Though his style is more conducive to zone, [primarily inside, with additional looks outside, as well] he has the skill set and veteran savvy to become equally potent on the ground, as well as receiving out of the backfield. As usual, New England’s ability to sign the talented back will be determined more by finance than football. The Pats currently have just north of $16.9 million in available cap space (per Patriots salary cap expert Miguel Benzan), which could be used to sign either Hopkins or Cook — or potentially both.
Still, Cook remains the best indicator of his own intentions.
“A lot of people got me pegged going back home (to Miami). A lot of people got me going to the Jets," Cook said during a late-June appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio. "It's all over the place right now, but what's gonna be important for me is just going to that right situation and helping somebody turn the page.
"I want to go and be the piece that can just help somebody win and get over the hump and whatever that situation comes with, if it comes with me taking less reps, but me being in the perfect situation to hold up that trophy, I don't mind.”
The Patriots are set to begin training camp on Jul. 26. Whether Cook is a part of their corps of running backs remains something on which to keep a sharp eye in the coming days.
More Patriots coverage from Sports Illustrated here.
More must-reads: