Dalvin Cook's Best Fantasy Landing Spots After Rumors Vikings Will Release or Trade

The long-awaited split between the Minnesota Vikings and Dalvin Cook is near, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the team will attempt to trade the four-time Pro Bowler one more time before releasing him Friday if they can't work out a trade.

Cook's impending free agency will certainly attract the attention of many teams around the league, as well as those of fantasy managers keeping an eye on where he might end up.

The 27-year-old has been connected to the Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos, New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys at various points this offseason.

Looking at the list of potential Cook suitors from a fantasy perspective, those are all intriguing options to varying degrees.

The Dolphins would be the most exciting landing spot because of what head coach Mike McDaniel's offense can do for running backs. Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. combined for 1,283 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 265 carries last season.

Both of those players were familiar with McDaniel's scheme having previously played with him when he was an assistant for the San Francisco 49ers.

Cook would be walking into a new offense that not only still features Mostert and Wilson, but also third-round rookie Devon Achane, whose speed seems to fit the ethos of this Miami team to be the fastest offense in NFL history.

The Jets might have the most pressing need for a running back among the teams that have been interested in Cook. Breece Hall has earned high marks from head coach Robert Saleh for where he's at in his recovery from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 7 last season.

Even if Hall is back at full strength for the start of the regular season, New York's depth behind him is questionable. Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight both averaged 3.5 yards per attempt on 199 combined carries in 2022.

Fifth-round rookie Israel Abanikanda might be able to step in if his number gets called, but for a Jets team trying to win right now with Aaron Rodgers, do they want to take that risk?

Denver's offseason signings suggest new head coach Sean Payton wants to put an emphasis on the running game in 2023. Offensive linemen Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powers have been run-blocking specialists throughout their careers.

In a March article for ESPN.com, Aaron Schatz of Football Outsiders noted Powers ranked second among all guards in run-block win rate and 10th in pass-block win rate.

Per Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus, McGlinchey ranked in the 87th percentile in PFF's stable run metrics over the past five seasons with the San Francisco 49ers. He ranked in the 26th percentile in true passing sets during that span.

Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine are currently the top two running backs on the Broncos roster. Cook would bring more stability to the position, especially with Williams coming off a torn ACL and LCL that ended his 2022 season after four games.

Of all the potential landing spots, the Cowboys would probably be the best fit for Cook in both reality and fantasy. Head coach Mike McCarthy, who is also taking over play-calling duties, has said he wants to "run the damn ball" to win the time-of-possession battle each week.

Tony Pollard looks to be in line for the No. 1 job this season after playing behind Ezekiel Elliott throughout his four-year career. He told reporters last week he's ahead of schedule in his recovery from a high ankle sprain and fractured fibula that he suffered in the Cowboys' 19-12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC divisional round.

If the Cowboys want to have something close to a 50-50 run-pass split, they'll need a deep stable of running backs to avoid wearing any individual player down. Malik Davis, who had 38 rushing attempts last season, is the only other returning back on the roster

Deuce Vaughn, a sixth-round pick in April's draft, could see playing time as a rookie. But another thing about the Cowboys is that Jerry Jones loves marquee players on his roster.

Cook may not be in his prime anymore, but he still ran for 1,173 yards last season. He would almost certainly get at least 150 carries in McCarthy's offense.

If the Cowboys can find a way to work out a deal with Cook when he becomes a free agent, it would make too much sense not to happen. It would also be the optimal fantasy landing spot for him because of how much usage he might get.