4 cheap free-agent RBs the Vikings could sign to replace Dalvin Cook
By Adam Patrick
If Dalvin Cook is actually traded this year, who are a few cheap free-agent running backs the Minnesota Vikings could sign to replace him?
A departure from the Minnesota Vikings for running back Dalvin Cook feels about as close to inevitable as it can possibly get at this point in the offseason.
More signs of Cook's eventual departure popped up earlier this week when Alexander Mattison was labeled a three-down back by Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell. It was just something else to add to the list of things that are pointing to Minnesota moving in a different direction at the top of their running back depth chart.
Whenever Cook's anticipated exit from the Vikings takes place this year, the team could turn to free agency afterward to add a more affordable veteran to their offensive backfield. Who are some of the free-agent running back options Minnesota would have to choose from?
RB No. 1: Marlon Mack
2022 Teams - Denver Broncos and San Francisco 49ers
As a member of the Indianapolis Colts in 2018 and 2019, Marlon Mack rushed for a total of 1,999 yards and 17 touchdowns. Mack seemed like he was emerging as one of the next top young running backs in the NFL.
But then he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles injury in Week 1 of the 2020 campaign and his career hasn't been the same since.
After another year with the Colts in 2021, Mack signed with the Houston Texans during the 2022 offseason. The Texans decided to cut him before the start of the regular season and he wound up splitting the 2022 season between the San Francisco 49ers and Denver Broncos.
In eight games with the Broncos and 49ers, Mack rushed for 84 yards and one touchdown on 16 carries in addition to catching eight passes for 99 yards and another score.
He's still only 27-years-old, and if Minnesota is looking to add someone to their locker room with a similar amount of experience to Cook, who also costs a whole lot less, then Mack could be someone for them to consider signing.