Mock Trade Proposal: B/R Sends Dalvin Cook to AFC Team For Day 3 Pick
As the offseason continues marching forward, Vikings running back Dalvin Cook remains a clear trade candidate because of his contract, age, 2022 performance, and the other moves the team has made at running back in recent months.
It's easy to say the Vikings should trade Cook (likely after June 1st for cap reasons). It's harder to find a team that makes sense as a partner in a potential deal.
The Dolphins checked in on Cook earlier this offseason, but they seem set at the position after re-signing Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. and drafting Devon Achane in the third round. There are still several teams that theoretically make sense, but they'd all be taking a risk by acquiring an aging running back on a big contract.
Here's an interesting hypothetical suitor: The New York Jets, now led by Aaron Rodgers. Yes, they have Breece Hall and a few capable backups in Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight, and fifth-round rookie Israel Abanikanda, but all of those players are on rookie contracts. And with Hall coming off a torn ACL, adding Cook could help limit his workload.
Here's the trade proposal from Bleacher Report: Cook to the Jets for a 2024 fourth-round pick.
The four-time Pro Bowler is one of the most expensive players at his position, with only Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey earning more annually. While Cook's contributions are undoubtedly strong, it may be tough for Minnesota to find a taker. Teams haven't been willing to spend big on running backs in the modern NFL, although a club desperate to win during a small championship window may be willing to pony up.
The New York Jets are an ideal match after acquiring Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers. The future Hall of Fame quarterback is entering his age-40 season and may not have much tread left on his tires, but Gang Green will be hoping to win at least one Lombardi Trophy before his retirement.
Cook could team with up-and-comer Breece Hall to form one of the best backfield tandems in the league, giving New York the additional firepower it needs to take the heat off Rodgers and wear down defenses.
While Cook would be a costly addition and they'd need to clear some cap space, the Jets can't afford to squander the opportunity they have to win it all and should be more than willing to incur the expense.
Cook's 2022 production didn't match his raw statistics, as he ranked dead last out of 36 qualified running backs in rush yards over expected. But after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery, he believes he's in line for a bounce-back 2023 season. The past production is there; when Cook is on his game, he has all of the traits you want in an elite running back. That could be appealing for a Jets team looking to get over the top in the loaded AFC.
The compensation here feels fair. Because of Cook's contract, a fourth-round pick feels like a return the Vikings would be happy with.
There's still a chance Cook could return to the Vikings for one more season. But the most likely outcome remains a trade at some point this summer.
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