Patriots' Target Dalvin Cook: $1 Million 'Hush Money' Offer to Abused Girlfriend?

While the New England Patriots remain prominently in the mix to sign free-agent running back Dalvin Cook, a recent development may threaten to derail the four-time Pro Bowler’s playing plans for 2023.

According to a sealed court filing obtained by the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Cook is alleged to have offered his ex-girlfriend, Gracelyn Trimble, $1 million in exchange for her dropping assault accusations against him. Trimble declined the offer.

The document, filed in Dakota County District Court, outlines Cook’s initial offer of $800,000, which was accompanied by a condition that Trimble sign a sworn affidavit denying the abuse claims she had previously made under oath.

The legal drama between Cook and Trimble originated in November 2021, when she filed a lawsuit accusing the player of both physical and emotional abuse. In response, Cook filed a defamation lawsuit against Trimble in Hennepin County. Both cases are still pending.

On the field, Cook is still one of the best running backs in the NFL. In 2022 with the Minnesota Vikings, he rushed for 1,173 yards with eight rushing touchdowns. He added 39 receptions, 295 receiving yards, and a pair of receiving touchdowns.

The Patriots are said to be a finalist - along with two rivals from the AFC East - for the services of Cook. Who else is in the mix, according to a FOX Sports report? The other two finalists are apparently the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets.

The Dolphins have been in play from the start; the former Vikings standout, cut as a cap casualty, is a Miami native. The Jets are of course trying to load up on talent to support an Aaron Rodgers-led run to the playoffs.

And the Patriots? New England is supposedly shuffling money around in preparation of making a deal happen with Cook, who we've been told is seeking to make at least $10 million per year - the number range the Vikings thought to be too pricy.

But the lawsuit looming might be a factor as well. Would a team use that as leverage in negotiations? Would a team be careful in case Cook ends up facing league suspension? Is the baggage too much for the Patriots or other teams to even bother with?

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