Dalvin Cook Headed to AFC East? Ex-Vikings RB's Potential Homes Taking Shape

It's been a couple weeks since the Vikings released Dalvin Cook. As expected, the four-time Pro Bowl running back has not yet signed with a new team, but is taking his time surveying his options. It's possible he won't sign until closer to the start of training camp.

With that said, his realistic destinations are somewhat limited. Based on some rumors, comments from Cook and others, and a little common sense, these are the teams that make the most sense for his services at this point in time. Spoiler alert: Most of them are in the AFC East.

Miami Dolphins

This is the team that has gotten the most Cook buzz this entire offseason. It's easy to speculate about because he's from Miami and fits into Mike McDaniels' scheme. The Dolphins do have Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., and rookie Devon Achane at running back, but Cook is a proven star. It'll likely come down to the price.

"It's an exciting situation to go into," Cook said on Sirius XM Radio. "You got guys that can stretch the field on the outside, I think that defense is pretty solid to me, Tua, when he's out on the field, they got a winning record. As a running back, you look for a certain scheme. I know the scheme I'm good in and that's outside zone. That's what the Miami Dolphins run. It would be a perfect fit."

New York Jets

Another team in the AFC East with hopes of knocking off the Bills is the Jets, who are getting some Super Bowl love after adding Aaron Rodgers this offseason. Like Miami, they already have a talented RB room with Breece Hall, Michael Carter, and rookie Izzy Abanikanda, but again, there could still be room for Cook if the price is right — especially with Hall coming off a torn ACL. The Jets have the cap space to make it happen.

"There's plenty of room," Jets TE Tyler Conklin, Cook's former teammate in Minnesota, said on Monday. "We got room for whoever wants to come help us with a Super Bowl."

💯💯 https://t.co/5oUXwwgZIL
— Dalvin “4️⃣” Cook (@dalvincook) June 26, 2023

New England Patriots

Cook has been leaning into the situation and stirring things up by liking some tweets from fans of various teams, including one that said "Dalvin Cook, you are a Patriot." New England is projected to be the worst team in that division, but Cook could have a sizable role in their offense right away. They just cut James Robinson, meaning Rhamondre Stevenson is the only proven RB on the roster.

Denver Broncos

Hey, a team not in the AFC East! Broncos RB Javonte Williams is recovering from an ACL injury, and Samaje Perine is next up on the depth chart. Adding Cook to Sean Payton's offense could make life easier for Russell Wilson. The fit makes sense.

Other possibilities

Since we've discussed every other AFC East team, it's worth noting that Cook's brother James plays for the Buffalo Bills. But would Dalvin want to take reps away from his little bro? The Bills also have Damien Harris and Latavius Murray and minimal cap space.

What about an NFC team? The Dallas Cowboys could use a new Tony Pollard partner after releasing Ezekiel Elliott, and they have some cap space and an owner/GM who enjoys making a splash. A deep sleeper could be the New Orleans Saints, depending on what happens with Alvin Kamara's trial on July 31st (if Cook waits that long to sign).

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