Dalvin Cook Landing Spots, What is the Best Landing Spot For Dalvin Cook?
by Rubaditsha
Updated Jul 19, 2023
Who is Dalvin Cook?
Dalvin James Cook, born on August 10, 1995, is a prominent American football running back currently without a team as he is a free agent. During his college years, Cook showcased his talent at Florida State, becoming the university's all-time leading rusher. His exceptional performance on the field caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
Cook spent an impressive six seasons with the Vikings, during which he established himself as one of the league's premier running backs. His outstanding contributions on the field earned him the prestigious honor of being selected to the Pro Bowl on four separate occasions. However, despite his accomplishments, the Vikings decided to release Cook from the team in June 2023.
Now, as a free agent, Cook has the opportunity to explore potential new destinations in the NFL and find a new team that can benefit from his exceptional skills and playmaking abilities. Teams across the league will likely show interest in securing the services of this highly skilled running back, making him one of the most sought-after players in the free agency market.
Name
Dalvin James Cook
Born
August 10, 1995
Age
27
Birthplace
Opa-locka, Florida, U.S.
Height
5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight
210 lb (95 kg)
Dalvin Cook Landing Spots
Dalvin Cook, the four-time Pro Bowl running back recently released by the Minnesota Vikings, has generated significant interest from several NFL teams. Among the top landing spots, the Miami Dolphins stand out as the most fitting destination. Cook's Miami roots and potential to provide an upgrade at running back and receiving options make him an ideal fit for the team looking to build on their recent playoff appearance.
The Denver Broncos also present a compelling case, given their head coach's success with running backs and their need for backfield depth. Moreover, their assistant GM's familiarity with Cook from his time with the Vikings strengthens their position as potential suitors.
The New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals round out the list of possible landing spots. Each team has its unique reasons for considering Cook, such as providing complementary options to their existing backfields, bolstering their roster for a championship run, or adding a playmaker in their rebuilding efforts.
What is the Best Landing Spot For Dalvin Cook?
Dalvin Cook's potential move to the Miami Dolphins has been a topic of strong speculation ever since rumors of his departure from the Minnesota Vikings began circulating. If Cook were to join the Dolphins, he would benefit from the guidance of Eric Studesville, the team's assistant head coach, renowned for his expertise in coaching running backs. Miami's offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel, values top-end speed, and Cook's ability to accelerate and break away from pursuing defenders was evident in the latter part of last season.
The Dolphins' offensive system bears resemblance to the one Cook thrived in under former Vikings offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Interestingly, Kubiak is now the passing-game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, working within Kyle Shanahan's offensive scheme, which has seen McDaniel rise to prominence in the NFL.
Statistically, the Dolphins and the Vikings had a nearly identical distribution between zone- and gap-style runs last year, as reported by Sports Info Solutions. However, Miami utilized backfield motion more frequently, which could create more favorable opportunities for Cook, potentially leading to fewer defenders crowding the line of scrimmage. Additionally, the presence of star wide receiver Justin Jefferson in Miami's offense might draw defensive attention away from Cook, potentially opening up running lanes for him.
According to NFL's Next Gen Stats, Cook faced eight or more defenders in the box on only 18% of his runs last season, indicating that his presence alone could command defensive respect. Overall, joining the Dolphins would offer Cook a promising environment to showcase his skills and potentially take the team's offense to new heights.
Top 5 Landing Spots For Dalvin Cook
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins have been heavily linked to Cook since rumors of his departure from the Vikings surfaced. Miami's coaching staff, including assistant head coach Eric Studesville, known for his expertise with running backs, would be a great fit for Cook's skill set.
The Dolphins' offensive scheme and use of backfield motion could create favorable opportunities for Cook to excel as both a runner and a receiver. Additionally, Cook's speed and playmaking ability could add a new dimension to Miami's offense, making them a serious contender for his services.
New York Jets
Similar to the Dolphins, the Jets would be interested in Cook for schematic reasons. While the team is excited about second-year back Breece Hall, his recovery from a torn ACL raises concerns about their running game. Cook's explosive running style and receiving ability would complement Hall's skill set, providing the Jets with a dynamic backfield duo. Signing Cook would also prevent the rival Dolphins from acquiring him, making it a strategic move for New York.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys' primary concern at running back is pass protection, and they might consider re-signing Ezekiel Elliott if he agrees to a more team-friendly contract. However, Cook's speed and depth would be a significant asset for the Cowboys' offense. With Tony Pollard's injury concerns, Cook's addition would provide Dallas with a versatile backfield option capable of breaking big plays. Head coach Mike McCarthy would likely feel more comfortable with an experienced secondary option like Cook.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles are known for their willingness to add quality depth, and owner Howie Roseman has a history of pursuing veteran players. Despite their depth at the running back position, the Eagles' penchant for acquiring talent might put them in the mix for Cook's services. While they recently acquired D'Andre Swift, the possibility of bringing in Cook could be tempting for the Eagles' front office.
Cleveland Browns
Coach Kevin Stefanski's connection to Cook from their time together in Minnesota makes the Browns an ideal landing spot. Cleveland's offensive system shares similarities with the later-year Vikings teams that featured Cook. With Kareem Hunt no longer on the roster, the Browns could use a secondary back to complement Nick Chubb. While the Browns have leaned more toward a gap-run scheme, Cook's versatility and Stefanski's familiarity with him could lead to a successful partnership in Cleveland.
Dalvin Cook Landing Spots: FAQs
Potential landing spots for Dalvin Cook include the Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals.
The Dolphins have been heavily tied to Cook since rumors of his departure from the Vikings surfaced. He would benefit from their coaching staff, led by Eric Studesville, known for his expertise with running backs. Miami's offensive scheme and use of backfield motion could create favorable opportunities for Cook to excel as a runner and receiver.
The Jets could be interested in Cook for schematic reasons similar to the Dolphins. While they have promising young back Breece Hall, his recovery from a torn ACL raises concerns. Cook's explosive running style and receiving ability would complement Hall's skill set, providing the Jets with a dynamic backfield duo.
While the Cowboys' main concern is pass protection from the running back position, Cook's speed and depth would be valuable for their offense. Cook's addition would provide a versatile backfield option alongside Tony Pollard and offer a speed element to their ground game.
The Eagles are known for their willingness to add quality depth, and their owner is open to investing in talent. Despite their depth at running back, Cook's availability could tempt the Eagles' front office, much like they have pursued veteran players in the past.