Dalvin Cook's agent said Miami nostalgia could lure tailback Dolphins way

We should call this the NFL free agent game, 2023 edition. Or, where in the world will Dalvin Cook sign? It still looks like the now former Minnesota Viking tailback will end up in southern Florida.

Yes, the Miami Dolphins remain a favorite for the former Florida State star. And it’s all about going home to where Dalvin Cook once was a highly-touted tailback from Miami Central High School.

Zac Hiller, Cook’s agent, talked to CBS Miami about where his client may land.

“He’s looking for a team that’s in the win-now mode and wants to go all the way, wants to win a Super Bowl,” Hiller said of Dalvin Cook. “Playing in South Florida, he’s definitely put up some pretty great numbers every time he seems to play in the state of Florida. And then even in that stadium in particular. He did definitely miss out on the experience of playing for his hometown team when it came to college. And I know he always kinda felt like that was where he was supposed to play, so that definitely has been in the back of his mind his entire football career.”

ICYMI: Dalvin Cook's agent @ZacHiller from @LAASportsEnt joined the Sports Desk. Is #4 destined for the 305? @dalvincook pic.twitter.com/0nlEOjU6wd

— Mike Cugno (@MikeCugnoCBS4) June 26, 2023

Will nostalgia + big check lure Dalvin Cook to Dolphins?

So count nostalgia in favor of the Dolphins. It’s true, Cook didn’t stay in Miami to play for the Hurricanes in college. Rather, he signed with Florida State, which is 500 miles away on the opposite end of the state. The Vikings selected Cook in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. And he’s produced ever since. He’s rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of the last four seasons. He and the Vikings parted ways because of money. The NFL doesn’t like to pay tailbacks, especially those with some years stacked on those legs. But reports suggest that Dalvin Cook will demand an annual salary of more than $10 million.

The Dolphins also fit the “win-now” scenario described by Cook’s agent. The team reached the first round of this past year’s playoffs, even though quarterback Tua Tagovailoa struggled with multiple concussions. This offseason, Tagovailoa has incorporated various martial arts skills to help him land better when he falls after getting hit.

Dalvin Cook tossed around the idea of the Dolphins last week during an interview with Sirius XM.

“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.”

Miami has 6 tailbacks on roster including rookie Devon Achane

Dalvin Cook definitely could help the Dolphins, who ranked 14th last year in the league for rush offense. Raheem Mostert led the team in rushing with 891 yards. Mostert still is one of six tailbacks on the roster Miami also picked former Texas A&M speedster Devon Achane in the second round of April’s draft and added rookie free agent Chris Brooks of BYU.

Cook may take another month to make a decision.