Dalvin Cook's next team odds: Is the former Viking AFC East bound?
With training camp beginning next week, star running back Dalvin Cook is taking his time before choosing his next destination.
The Vikings cut Cook at the beginning of June after six seasons with the organization. However, Cook reportedly hasn't been pleased with offers from certain terms, including the Dolphins, as he holds out for the best possible offer.
Cook rushed for over 1,130 rushing yards and was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of the past four seasons. There's no shortage of suitors, but who'll emerge as Cook's next destination?
Where will Dalvin Cook play next season?
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Patriots | +160 |
| Dolphins | +200 |
| Jets | +450 |
| Broncos | +1600 |
| Cowboys | +1600 |
| Commanders | +1600 |
| Raiders | +1600 |
| Bills | +2000 |
| Bears | +2000 |
| Giants | +2000 |
(Odd via theScore Bet and Barstool Sportsbook)
AFC East teams are the favorites
The entire AFC East is interested in Cook, with the three favorites to acquire him playing in that division.
On Monday, the Patriots jumped the Dolphins as the favorites to land Cook at +160. New England desperately needs talent and experience in a young running back room. Rhamondre Stevenson is the presumed starting rusher with Pierre Strong Jr. and Ty Montgomery serving as his backups. Cook's presence would immediately boost that group and help third-year quarterback Mac Jones in a pivotal year.
Cook is from Miami, which makes the Dolphins a reasonable destination. Similar to the Patriots, Cook's presence could help Miami's unproven running back room. And like New England, the Dolphins have a young quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa that could benefit from a consistent run game.
Both Miami and New England ranked in the bottom third of the league in rushing yards. It's practical that both are actively seeking Cook as an upgrade. However, Miami will likely have to improve its aforementioned offer if the team is serious about acquiring Cook.
The Jets are another AFC East team that makes sense for Cook. With an MVP-caliber quarterback in Aaron Rodgers and an elite defense, the Jets are all-in this season. While they have second-year running back Breece Hall, he's recovering from an ACL injury. Pairing Cook with a recovering Hall would create an explosive backfield.
The Bills are also in contention for Cook, but they're the biggest long shots in the AFC East. Buffalo lost Devin Singletary in free agency and added Damien Harris and Latavius Murray. Buffalo has a pass-heavy offense, but with Josh Allen under center, the addition of Cook isn't necessary.
In addition, while the idea of pairing Cook with his brother, James, is nice, he's bound to take away carries from the Bills' current starting rusher.
Other potential landing spots
NFL insiders have floated the Broncos as a possible destination for weeks, but they likely don't have the cap space to sign Cook.
The Cowboys are seemingly always in the mix for big-name stars, and they have the cap space to sign Cook. Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys' divorce was finalized this offseason after seven seasons, with Tony Pollard's success last year being part of the reason.
Dallas doesn't necessarily need Cook, but he can only help Pollard and Dak Prescott.
No matter how much Cook still has left in the tank, a grim running back market - evidenced by the Saquon Barkley situation - may eventually force him to accept less money and a shorter deal.
Cook has options and time, so it's a possibility this situation won't be sorted out before training camp.