Free agent running back Dalvin Cook believes he would be a "perfect fit" in the Miami Dolphins offensive scheme.
Cook is one of the best running backs in the NFL, but he finds himself without a franchise. Earlier this offseason, the 27-year-old was cut by the Minnesota Vikings despite tallying four successive 1000-yard rushing seasons.
The Vikings cut him amid the depleted value of the running back position while the NFC North team are attempting to get their funds together ahead of offering a blockbuster contract to star receiver Justin Jefferson. Cook was due $11million, but Minnesota will now save $9m while Alexander Mattison will take over the starting duties.
The value of a star running back has undoubtedly depleted over the last decade, but plenty of NFL franchises still need a premier back due to their offensive style. Cook fits that bill, averaging 1,256 rushing yards and scoring 46 total touchdowns over the last four seasons.
As he weighs up his options, Cook believes there is one team in he would mesh with in particular: the Dolphins. Miami’s running back depth chart is headlined by a pair of veteran backs in Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. who, while productive, are hardly premier-level players in the NFL.
Cook believes a Mike McDaniel offensive unit piloted by Tua Tagovailoa with the likes of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle would allow him to thrive. During an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, the former Florida State Seminole said: “It's an exciting situation to go into.
“You got guys that can stretch the field on the outside, I think that defense is pretty solid to me, Tua [Tagovailoa] when he's out on the field, they got a winning record. As a running back, you look for a certain scheme, and I know the scheme I'm good in, and that's outside zone, and that's what the Miami Dolphins runs.
“It'd be a perfect fit, and the roster speaks for itself.”
Miami fans would undoubtedly love to see Cook in the Dolphins backfield alongside Tagovailoa given the last running back from the franchise to make a Pro Bowl was Jay Ajayi back in 2016. Cook is one of the top players in his position in the league, rushing for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns on 264 carries.
He also caught 39 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns, which highlights his versatility. Such a trait is desired for a back to truly flourish under head coach McDaniel, who pairs a wide zone run scheme with a west coast passing offence.
