4 possible replacements for Dalvin Cook in Minnesota this season

Devonta Freeman (Free Agent)

Of the top running backs currently still available in free agency, Devonta Freeman is likely the best of the bunch. Freeman was released by the Atlanta Falcons earlier this year and he’s drawn some interest from other teams, but nothing has resulted in him signing on with anyone yet.

His career with the Falcons got off to an impressive start. Freeman took over as Atlanta’s top running back in 2015 and during that season and in 2016 he gained at least 1,500 total yards, caught at least 50 passes, scored a total of 27 touchdowns, and earned two trips to the Pro Bowl during his next.

Freeman’s play took a bit of a dip in 2017 and then during the 2018 season, he only appeared in two games due to multiple injuries. Last year, he was hoping to gain some of his old form back, but that didn’t end up happening.

At 28-years-old, Freeman probably still has a least a few good seasons of football left in him. He’s worked in an offense that utilized zone blocking in the past, so it likely wouldn’t take him long to adjust to the current system ran by Vikings offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak.

Minnesota adding Freeman would be extra interesting since he and Dalvin Cook are actually friends. Not only did they play football at the same high school, but Cook was also the guy who replaced Freeman in college at Florida State.

The friendship between these two could actually be why Freeman might pass up the opportunity to sign with the Vikings. However, relationships can be quickly set aside in the NFL when someone is just looking to continue earning a living as a professional football player.