Let the Dalvin Cook sweepstakes continue.
As the calendar quickly approaches June 1st, it feels like a decision on running back Dalvin Cook’s future in Minnesota is nearing.
Reports have surfaced that Cook, 27, would likely not be a Viking next season, but nothing has been guaranteed. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has yet to show his cards, as Cook remains on the Vikings’ 90-man roster.
However, that may change with June 1st coming up.
A post-June 1st trade would open up a few things for the Vikings, including potential suitors in a trade. Teams like the Miami Dolphins, who were previously rumored to be interested in Cook, would gain $13 million in open cap space following a Post-June 1 release of cornerback Byron Jones.
The Dolphins could use that additional money to make room for Cook in a trade. Vikings Territory writer Sean Borman released a tweet today showcasing what Cook’s contract would look like for a team acquiring him via trade.
According to Borman, the team acquiring Cook would take on an $11 cap hit for 2023. While the Dolphins could not afford quick prior, the additional $13 million from Jones would allow them to facilitate a move.
What an acquiring team would owe Dalvin Cook:
2023: $10.4M salary, $100K workout bonus, $500K LTBE playing-time incentive, $11M cap hit
2024: $11.9M salary, $100K bonus, $500K incentive, $12.5M cap hit
2025: $13.9M salary, $100K bonus, $500K incentive, $14.5M cap hit
— Sean Borman (@THESeanBorman) May 31, 2023
The Dallas Cowboys could also make a move following June 1. The Cowboys are set to acquire $10.9 million in cap space for a Post-June 1 release, allowing them to make room for Cook.
In either scenario, the draft capital that the Vikings get in a Cook trade would likely be minimal. While Cook is a talented running back, there hasn’t always been a premium market for the position, and Cook is under contract for three more seasons.
As a result, the Vikings will likely only get Day 3 pick or two in a trade for Cook.
The Dolphins have three Day 3 selections in the 2024 NFL Draft and do not own a 4th-round pick. As a result, the Dolphins would likely send a 2024 5th-round pick and, potentially, a 2025 draft pick.
The Cowboys are projected to have four Day 3 selections, including two potential 6th-round compensatory picks. Like the Dolphins, the Cowboys could trade one of their 2024 picks and a 2025 one to make a deal.