Vikings four-time Pro Bowler linked to Miami before the draft

Could the Vikings ship RB Dalvin Cook to Miami during the NFL Draft on Thursday-Saturday?

 ESPN's Dan Graziano reported that may be the case. "Some people think Miami could get aggressive there if he becomes available because the Vikings have drafted another running back," he wrote.

The Vikings drafting another RB to replace Cook, a four-time Pro Bowler, may seem illogical on the surface, but given their financial situation, it makes sense.

 Per Spotrac, the Vikings are 30th in cap space ($1.87M). According to OverTheCap, Cook has the team's third-highest cap hit ($14.1M). He has not accepted a pay cut, making him a trade or cut candidate. If Minnesota trades him, it would save $7.9M-$11M.

Minnesota would have plenty of running back options in the draft.
"The real beauty of the 2023 RB class, however, lies with its quantity as well as its quality," wrote Fox Sports' Rob Rang. Minnesota could draft a solid RB such as UCLA's Zach Charbonnet or Tulane's Tyjae Spears on Day 2 or 3.

Miami, which finished 25th in rushing last season, needs a good back.
Per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins tried to acquire Cook earlier this offseason, but discussions stalled after a disagreement over draft compensation.

Miami, which only has four picks in the draft and no first-rounder, may be waiting for Minnesota to lower its asking price for Cook. Landing the 27-year-old would be a win for the Dolphins because he's still in his prime. Last season, Cook rushed for the sixth-most yards in the NFL (1,173).

In the AFC East, where the Jets recently added Aaron Rodgers, Miami needs all the offensive firepower it can get.