Free to sign with any team in the NFL, could former Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook end up with another NFC North team for the 2023 season?
Since the decision to release Dalvin Cook was made by the Minnesota Vikings earlier this month, speculation about where the veteran running back play next has mostly centered around a few teams in the AFC. But instead of heading to an entirely new conference, what if Cook would actually prefer to remain with a team in the NFC North, if possible?
Currently, each of the other three teams in Minnesota's division, the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and Detroit Lions, all have at least $16 million in cap space. So affording Cook likely wouldn't be a problem for either team.
It would really just come down to which one of the Vikings' NFC North rivals actually needs help in their offensive backfield. At this point in time, the Bears are the team from Minnesota's division that makes the most sense.
Could facing the Minnesota Vikings entice Dalvin Cook enough to sign with the Chicago Bears?
Currently, Chicago's running back room consists of D'Onta Foreman, Khalil Herbert, rookie Roschon Johnson, Trestan Ebner, and Travis Homer.
Cook would be a significant upgrade over any of the Bears' current backs, and with the way Chicago likes to run the ball more than most teams in the NFL (led the league in rushing attempts in 2022 by 32 carries), they're a squad that could potentially provide the former Vikings running back with a significant number of opportunities to make an impact next season.
Cook recently declared that he's looking to join a "ground and pound" offense this year, and Chicago is a team that relied on their rushing attack more than any other franchise last season.
As a member of Minnesota's roster for the last six years, the veteran running back also clearly has experience when it comes to taking on the Lions and Packers. And not only does Cook have experience in facing these two NFC North teams, but he's also had a good amount of success against these two squads.
In 17 games against Detroit and Green Bay, the former Vikings running back scored a total of 17 touchdowns while averaging more than 106 yards from scrimmage per contest.
Given his success in the division, it might not be too difficult for Cook to be convinced to remain in the NFC North if the Bears present him with a satisfying enough offer.