Report: Dolphins remain interested in four-time Pro Bowler
Four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook remains on the Dolphins' offseason wish list despite a failed attempt to trade for him.
According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, Miami and Minnesota had trade discussions for the RB but disagreed on draft compensation. However, the Dolphins "are expected to inquire about Cook" if Minnesota releases him.
Per OverTheCap, the Vikings only have $1,285,835 million in cap space, last in the NFL. Cook has the team's fourth-highest cap number ($14.1M) and has not accepted a paycut, which may lead to Minnesota cutting him.
"There's a good chance the (draft) picks made by the Vikings or not made by other teams could lay the foundation for a trade. Or, if all else fails a clean break between the Vikings and the man who became the immediate replacement to Adrian Peterson in 2017," wrote NBC Sports' Mike Florio.
If the 27-year-old RB hits free agency, the Dolphins could sign him as a spark for its ground attack, which ranked 25th in yards last season. In 2022, Cook ran for the sixth-most yards in the league (1,173 yards in 17 games).
The Dolphins have $3M in cap space but will receive $13.6M after cornerback Byron Jones' release on June. 1, per Jackson.
At this point in his career, the only question about Cook is durability. ESPN's Kevin Seifert reported Cook underwent surgery to repair his shoulder in February.
Cook will be ready for the regular season, but Miami should be mindful of the shoulder. RBs have a shorter shelf life than most NFL players and can struggle to sustain their prime as they approach their 30s.
Regardless, the Dolphins must keep tabs on Cook because he's an asset that could boost their roster.
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