Dalvin Cook remains forever grateful for his six-year run with the Minnesota Vikings.
Despite being a free agent this late into the offseason, former Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is very appreciative of his time in the Twin Cities.
On Saturday, he was hosting a football camp for kids in Minnesota and caught up with the local media. The two big takeaways from his comments are that he seems genuinely happy and appreciative for what the Vikings organization meant to him and his family, as well as being patient in finding the next great opportunity for him. It is coming, but we just have to wait and see.
Cook will be turning 28 years old on Aug. 10 and is coming off four straight Pro Bowl seasons.
Yes, the right opportunity will have to present itself, but we all know that it is out there for him.
NFL rumors: What all lies ahead for Dalvin Cook in his extended NFL free agency?
Look. I don't think it's going to have to take a freak injury in the preseason to get Cook onto a new team, but it may only expedite that. Again, he has been a Pro Bowler each of the last four seasons for one of the most well-run operations in the NFC. The only problem is he will be 28 before the season begins. Running backs don't have a long shelf life and he has already had a serious injury.
Truth be told, Cook will be an impactful player on some team this season, we just don't know which one just yet. Could he be a Pro Bowl-level player again for the fifth year in a row? Again, it all really comes down to fit, opportunity and overall team performance. Somebody out there is in dire need of a quality running back, and Cook is still available. He could be signed within a few weeks.
Overall, the marginalization of running backs is getting way too out of hand. These aren't interchangeable parts; they're human beings, and oftentimes, damn good ones. Yes, you want productivity above all else, but why would you not want a winning player like Cook in your locker room to help get your team over the top? Sadly enough, I don't think he's going back to Minnesota.
Once training camp commences, look for Cook and his representation to find him a place to play.