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Dalvin Cook offers surprisingly transparent commentary on interest in Dolphins, Jets

profilephotocropby:Suzanne Halliburton•06/23/23•

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dalvin cook
Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Dalvin Cook could be destined to sign with his hometown NFL team. Or maybe the now former Minnesota Viking running back is more attracted to the bright lights of NYC.

The former Florida State star probably is the most popular free agent on the market right now. He’s trying to find a new team. And the possibilities include the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets.

He grew up in Miami. And from the interview he gave Thursday on SiriusXM radio, he knows the Dolphins offense. So here are his pros for Miami:

“Yeah, it’s an exciting situation to go into when you got guys that can stretch the field on the outside,” he said. “I think that defense is pretty solid to me. Tua (Tagovailoa), when he’s out on the field, they got a winning a record.”

He added: “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 … speaks for itself.”

The Dolphins entertained the idea of trading for Dalvin Cook this spring. But that trade never materialized. Meanwhile, the Vikings cut Cook earlier this month. It was a financial move. Cook was due $10.4 million in salary for this year. That would have made him the seventh-highest paid tailback in the NFL. He’s still looking for a similar check for the fall.

The Dolphins ranked 14th in the NFL for rush offense, averaging just under 100 yards per game. With 891 yards, Raheem Mostert led the team in rushing. Mostert still is on the roster. He’s one of six tailbacks. Miami also selected former Texas A&M star De’Von Achane in the second round of April’s draft and added rookie free agent Chris Brooks of BYU.

“You know, a lot of people got me pegged going back home,” Dalvin Cook said. “A lot of people got me going to the Jets. It’s all over the place right now, but what’s gonna be important for me is just going to that right situation and helping somebody turn the page.

“I want to go and be the piece that can just help somebody win and get over the hump and whatever that situation comes with, if it comes with me taking less reps, but me being in the perfect situation to hold up that trophy, I don’t mind. I just wanna go somewhere I can just get the ball and just help somebody win, and turn the next page.”

Speaking of the Jets, that team is remaking itself. They signed quarterback Aaron Rodgers and added receiver Allen Lazard. Their running back likely is Breece Hall. The former star from Iowa State was having a nice rookie season in 2022. Then he tore his ACL midway through the season. So an experienced back like Dalvin Cook, with four straight 1,000-yard seasons, could help the cause.