Dalvin Cook, a former running back for the Minnesota Vikings, believes he has more to give in the NFL.
Cook conveyed to the league at large, in his conversation with Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston over the weekend, who he still is and why any team willing to invest in him should do so.
On April 6, Cook said to Wilson, “I’ve got it all.” “These are still the tools. Last year, I didn’t really receive any reps. Thus, the resume speaks for itself because the legs are still fresh. That’s me, Dalvin Cook. That guy is still me. I personally dislike blowing my own trumpet. I enjoy going outside, donning my helmet, and aligning myself on the lawn.
According to NFL.com, the Vikings decided to cut Cook before the 2023 season in order to save $9 million against the salary cap, resulting in a $5 million dead cap charge.
Cook spent his first six seasons as a professional in Minnesota, where he appeared in four Pro Bowls and amassed 5,993 running yards, 1,794 receiving yards, and 52 total touchdowns in 73 games, according to Pro Football Reference. Over those six years, he received compensation from the organization totaling more than $34 million.
Following a Pro Bowl campaign in 2022, Cook signed a contract with the New York Jets prior to the 2018 campaign. Before leaving New York in January, he played for the team in 15 games and earned around $6.6 million, but his total scrimmage yardage was only 292 yards.
Cook then became a member of the Baltimore Ravens for their postseason run. In an AFC Divisional Round victory over the Houston Texans, he ran the ball eight times for a total of 23 yards. The following week, in the Ravens’ 17-10 Championship Game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Cook did not register a carry in the rushing game or a target in the passing game.
August is Cook’s 29th birthday, which falls around one month before the next regular season begins.
After the first wave of signings that started in mid-March, the running back is still free agency. Once the NFL has its draft at the end of April, he may have a greater chance of finding a place to land. Cook is currently training in Houston with a trainer in order to get ready for his upcoming shot, whenever that may be.
Cook answered Wilson, “Yeah, you always have to be prepared for the opportunity.” “I consider myself to be a league veteran. I am aware of the requirements for success in this league. I’m aware of Dalvin Cook’s identity, and I know what I want to do and how I want to act. As you mentioned, be prepared so that you don’t need to prepare.
The running back went on to say that he is eager for another opportunity to demonstrate his ability to still play a significant role in winning.
Cook went on, “I think last year was really like a learning curve for me.” I started to get itchy. I think the key is patience, so let’s just be prepared and have faith that everything will blow up.
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