ESPN insider circles the one team expected to sign Dalvin Cook

Now that Dalvin Cook is out of Minnesota, there’s a lot of speculation as to where the running back might land next. ESPN insider Jeff Darlington called Miami the “clear frontrunner” to land the former Florida State star.

The Vikings officially released Cook on Friday, allowing him the opportunity to find a new home. The Dolphins are in the market for a running back, and Darlington believes it could work out well for both sides.

“It is amazing that this is a possibility. And I can piggyback on Adam Schefter’s report to tell you the fact that Denver and Miami do feel like the frontrunners for Dalvin Cook’s services. With Miami, by the way, the clear frontrunner,” Darlington said on ESPN.

“Why? I’ll still be a journalist here, but when we talk about smoke and fire — when Dalvin Cook puts a picture of him celebrating at Hard Rock Stadium up, when he’s about to hit free agency. … This is just a situation where I think Dalvin Cook fits perfectly in Miami. It would surprise me if he doesn’t end up in Miami at this point.”

"Dalvin Cook fits perfectly in Miami. It would surprise me if he doesn't end up in Miami at this point." 🐬 👀

—@JeffDarlington on Dalvin Cook potentially joining the Dolphins pic.twitter.com/g1tes8MTG0

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 9, 2023

Cook just put together his fourth-straight 1,000 yard season on the ground for the Vikings in 2022. In addition to his 1,173 yards, he also accounted for 10 total touchdowns.

He’s a four-time Pro Bowl selection and shows little signs of slowing down. So, could Miami be the next stop for the veteran running back? We probably won’t have to wait long to find out.

Vikings head coach releases statement on Dalvin Cook

It’s the end of an era in Minnesota. Cook spent the first six years of his NFL career with the Vikings, providing the franchise with a solid rushing attack during his time.

When the team released the star ball carrier, head coach Kevin O’Connell released a statement.

“I hold Dalvin in the highest regard and am grateful for his contributions on and off the field. Dalvin is a tough, dynamic player and a respected leader by his teammates, which was evident by his multiple seasons as a team captain,” O’Connell said in the statement.

“As a finalist for the 2022 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, Dalvin’s approach to the game and his commitment to sportsmanship is clearly respected across the league. We appreciate Dalvin’s positivity, energy and leadership and will be pulling for him in the future.”

Through six years, Cook has racked up 5,993 rushing yards and 1,794 receiving yards. He’s accounted for 52 total touchdowns in the NFL.