Former FSU Star Was Nearly Traded To The Miami Dolphins Earlier This Year

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The Minnesota Vikings could very soon be moving on from star running back Dalvin Cook. The former Florida State Seminole, who holds the school record for all-time rushing yards, could benefit from a change of scenery.
READ MORE: Two Florida State Legends Listed On College Football HOF Ballot
The Vikings’ general manager hasn’t confirmed yet that Cook will be on the roster heading into next season, and they invested more money into their backup running back, Alexander Mattison, who could take over the starting spot next season.
Though the two running backs could coexist, it seems more likely that Mattison takes the reins and Cook gets the much-needed change of scenery, likely benefitting both sides of the deal.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Vikings and Miami Dolphins nearly completed a trade in March that would have sent Cook to South Beach. This further proves that the Vikings are willing and ready to move on from Cook.
It’s no secret that the former Seminole can still contribute at the high-level he showed early in his career. He’s shown the same flashes of a running back capable of big, game-swinging plays, though he has taken a dip in consistency over few seasons while dealing with injuries.
There’s been no report explaining what trade package the Vikings would have received for Cook, or why the trade talks fell through after having been close to completion.
With a player that’s had as much success as Cook has had, asking him to take a potential pay cut and share the running back position seems like a tough task, and something the Vikings would struggle to do. So, trading Cook seems to be the only viable outcome considering the circumstances of his wishes and career needs while taking Minnesota's future into account.
Though if Cook is traded, he would need to be willing to restructure his contract to fit his new team’s contract situation.
Will that be in Miami? The franchise already acquired another former Seminole standout - Jalen Ramsey - earlier in the offseason.
Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State football throughout the offseason.

Kade has been covering a wide variety of teams ranging from the NFL to the NBA and college athletics since joining Sports Illustrated's FanNation in 2022.