Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has been mentioned in trade rumors for the past couple of months. And yet, he's still on Minnesota's roster.
Cook's base salary for the 2023 season ($10.4 million) could be potential hurdle for the Vikings when it comes to finding a trade partner. If they're unwilling to pay his salary or lower their overall asking price, they may have to consider releasing him.
In the event the Vikings release Cook, the Dolphins would "absolutely" have interest in signing the Florida State product. At least that's what Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reported this week.
From the Miami Herald:
If they ultimately do release him, I would expect a Dolphins pursuit - but likely not at a salary close to the $10.4 million he's due to make this season. Of that $10.4 million, only $2 million is guaranteed.
Though South Florida is home for Cook and he would love to play here if he's not in Minnesota, it's difficult to envision Cook rejecting a significantly higher offer from another team. And until he's on the open market, it's impossible to tell how much he could command.
There's no guarantee Cook will be released before the start of the season. However, there has been enough smoke surrounding this situation to expect some type of movement on this front.
Last season, Cook had 1,173 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 264 carries. He also had 39 receptions for 295 yards and two touchdowns.
Make no mistake about it, the idea of Cook joining Mike McDaniel's rushing attack in Miami is quite intriguing.