After getting released from the Minnesota Vikings following illustrious six seasons, the free agent running back Dalvin Cook was looking vehemently interested in starting his next journey with the Miami Dolphins, having three potential years left before the RB age wall hits him hard.
The Dolphins, being one of the top AFC contenders this upcoming season, seemed poised to take the Pro Bowl running back’s service, albeit the recent development regarding the discussion is indicating something else. Cook reportedly turned down an offer from the franchise and the details of the offer are still unknown.
Cook rejects hometown franchise in Dolphins
The renowned league insider Dov Kleiman tweeted Dalvin is ‘Not willing to accept’ the current contract offer from Miami, via ESPN’s NFL reporter Jeff Darlington. Albeit, the franchise still holds “a contract offer on the table for Cook but he’s hesitant to commit to their current proposal.”
Update: Dalvin Cook’s is ‘Not willing to accept’ the current contract offer from the #Dolphins, per @JeffDarlington
The Dolphins still have a contract offer on the table for Cook but he's hesitant to commit to their current proposal.
More here:https://t.co/hlqD1ZIpga pic.twitter.com/fCz4UurveK
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) July 8, 2023
The four-time Pro Bowler has recently heaped praise on the Dolphins for ensuring a suitable scheme and marked himself a perfect fit for the franchise via Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Yet, the rejection came shortly after that,
“As a running back you look for a certain scheme and I know the scheme that I’m good in, and that’s outside zone, and that’s what the Miami Dolphins run. So it’s like, you know, it’d be a perfect fit. And the roster, like you said, speaks for itself.”
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The veteran star holds the record of having four consecutive seasons of rushing for at least 1,100 yards, hence, he seems willing to get paid like other elite RBs in the league. He will probably have to exercise patience to hopefully get a better deal ahead, yet it doesn’t mark an end to the probability of him donning Miami’s jersey in the upcoming season.
Potential drop zone for Cook amid Bills, Jets interest
After Cook‘s decision to reject the Dolphins’ offer, the Denver Broncos again came into discussion as the potential suitor for him. The franchise is facing uncertainty regarding the running back role following Javonte Williams’ knee injury rehab and the ex-Vikings star can be a potential fit for the void.
The Buffalo Bills were also linked with the 27-year-old star as they might think to pair up him with his younger brother James Cook, Buffalo’s 2022 second-round selection. Albeit, the franchise holds less than $1.5 M in cap space, the second-least in the league and they would need to adjust their roster drastically to get the RB to fit under the cap.
Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio earlier reported the New York Jets are “gaining momentum” in pursuit of the former Vikings star. Besides that, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler disclosed Bill Belichick’s the New England Patriots can make a move to see the free agent pairing with Rhamondre Stevenson.
Dalvin spent his childhood in Miami and played for Florida State earlier, hence, many Dolphins fans were buzzing about his potential acquisition by the team.
Will Cook decide to play for his native place? Or will other teams take the chance to lure him into their camp? What is your take on this discussion? You can let us know below!
