Alongside wideout DeAndre Hopkins, running back Dalvin Cook finds himself at the center of attention in the NFL’s free agent landscape. The latter is contemplating his next move, and that will include conversations with the former. 
During an appearance on the Adam Schefter Podcast, Cook spoke about the possibility of joining the same team Hopkins ultimately does when he signs his next contract. Doing so would be surprising given the financial terms each multi-time Pro Bowler is likely to command from suitors, but Cook said, “if we end up on the same roster, that would be something epic for the NFL.”
The 27-year-old made it clear that he has yet to speak with Hopkins so far during his first career foray into free agency. A patient approach is expected for both players, with Cook angling for a clear-cut No. 1 role in his next home and Hopkins weighing the offers made by Tennessee and New England after his visits there last week. However, discussions will take place regarding what would be an interesting team-up scenario and one which would provide a team with a considerable boost in both the passing and running game.
“Everybody knows who D-Hop is,” Cook added. “You know what you’re getting out of D-Hop, and you know what he [is] going to bring to your roster. It’s the same for me… And he was one of those guys that I was going to reach out to, because, like, I know he [has] got the same mindset as me, like we trying to go win. We’re trying to go on the roster and trying to go contend.”
The Dolphins and Broncos were initially named as teams to watch on the Cook front, though the latter squad appears to be out of the running. The interest showed by Miami to add the hometown back will be worth watching as the summer progresses, particularly in relation to how serious of a push other teams make to acquire him. Depending on how discussions between he and Hopkins go, though, a new layer to each player’s free agent process could develop.
The NFL better not become the NBA.
Or what?
It can’t. Even the best QB’s are only going to be worth 25% of a teams ability/power. In the NBA, a top player can account for nearly half of a teams production since they play all game and all phases. with 22 starters and an open cap it is impossible in football. In basketball the max contract created the ability for players to team up. If allowed, superstars would get 60-70% of the NBA cap because in free agency, thats what a bad team would bid up to to get them.
What team(s) out there need both a #1RB, an aging #1WR and have the cap space for both?
He’s definitely not an accountant.
Justin Field’s 2023 season would look a whole lot better with both DeAndre Hopkins to catch and Dalvin Cook to run. The Bears have the cap space to do it. I’m not sure the Bears feel like they are ready to make a run in 2023 though.
Carolina Panthers need another top tier WR and a #1 RB and the Panthers have the cap space. The Panthers are probably tanking again in 2023 so not a good candidate. The Cowboys have space but already have Tony Pollard. At WR Gallup, Brandin Cooks and Cee Dee Lamb seem are also enough top-tier WR. The Colts have Jonathan Lamb. Detroit Lions have holes at WR and RB.
That leaves the Bears and the Lions as eligible and capable (and Panthers if they weren’t tanking).
That may be true, but it would be dumb for two players to limit their options (and negotiating power) by taking a “package” approach.
Good point, but that would depend on what their goal is. If it is to win, and if Hopkins agrees with Cook that playing together is a good way to do that, then they will have to accept low value deals to enable that. Even then, their options would still be lower tier teams, as a modest deal for each player would likely be beyond the capabilities of any contenders.
If the goal is simply to play together, or if both players happen to believe that their presence will elevate teams to contending status, then they could sign with, say, the Bears or Panthers as Alec suggested. I don’t know if that would be enough personally to elevate those teams into contenders (Carolina could have a decent shot at winning a weak division, however). They would likely be hurting their individual earning power, yes, but I doubt that either player has considerable power this late in the offseason as is.
I doubt that this is much at all, as there are only a few teams that could afford both players and would be good enough to capitalize on aging veteran production right now. Ultimately I also expect both players to just sign individually with whomever offers the most money.
That’s crazy. Sure the Lions could use D-Hop now that Jameson Williams is missing 6 games but they do not need Cook. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery are the RB1 and RB2. The Lions dropped Jamaal Williams and D. Swift for players they believe to be better suited for the offense they run. I do not see Detroit adding Cook unless an injury occurs.
Williams missed 11 games last year. St. Brown, Reynolds and Raymond are still there, Marvin Jones Jr in for DJ Chark. If you’re arguing their depth, ok, but signing a big name because Williams is going to miss half as many games as he did a year ago, doesn’t fly.
– Williams missed 11 games last year
Yes, but he was drafted with an injury that the Lions knew was going to sideline him for at least 8 games… They ain’t looking for WR help
I’d forgotten about Jahmyr Gibbs. Good point. Strike Detroit off that very short list.
WR: I don’t think the Lions are set. On the whole it’s a weak group and the lack of quality possession receivers is going to give Goff issues.
The Lions do not have holes at running back…
The Lions drafted a RB, brought in a Pro Bowler, have a pro bowl WR, and a very promising young guy who happens to be a gambling addict.
Bears is the only one I can think of
There’s no way Poles would go for that. They already have a strong running game (and I don’t think losing Montgomery changes that) and a #1WR in DJ Moore. And Hopkins goes against his youth trend.
Unironcially to answer your question, the Dolphins
Going from JJ to Hopkins would be a downgrade… how would this be “epic”? DC is a funny guy.
Maybe they could get together with Carson Wentz and start their own league.
Lmao
I wonder if I’m the only one who sees this epic meeting between Cook and Hopkins resulting in a Miller Lite “less filling / tastes great’ commercial.
I do not see a very high chance of any team signing both these guys but lets pretend someone will. Here are some teams with offensive needs.
New Orleans Saints: Alvin Kamara is facing a possible suspension leaving Jamaal Williams alone in the back field with rookie Kendre Miller. Chris Olave has been awesome so far but how confident can New Orleans be in Michael Thomas coming off of another injury. D-Hop and Carr would put up big numbers together in the throwing game. Saints have around $14 million in cap space and the NFC South is up for grabs.
Los Angeles Rams: The Rams have around $13 million in cap space but I am positive that money is going to be spent on rookie contracts. However, if anyone could use a few good men it is the Rams. Cook and D-Hop would excel in McVays offense.
Buffalo Bills: Aside from Diggs who is Josh Allen throwing the ball to? Gabe Davis? He catches around 54% of the balls thrown his way. 118 of 218 over the past 3 regular seasons. D-Hop would be an improvement if they can afford him. Dalvin Cook is better than both his brother James and newly added Damien Harris. Buffalo just doesn’t have the cap space, at roughly $5 million.
Chicago Bears: Over $31 million in cap space, they got the money to sign some guys, I just do not think they need them both. RB1 D’Onta Foreman RB2 Khalil Herbert RB3 Roschon Johnson, not a bad group of running backs. WR1 DJ Moore WR2 Darnell Mooney WR3 Chase Claypool, Moore is a legit WR1, Mooney is a good WR2, Claypool is a bit of a question mark but I do not think Chicago has a problem at the receiver position this upcoming season. It really depends on if Justin Fields can do something with these weapons.
That is it from me, thank you for reading.
Claypool has hands of stone with 55% catch ratio. He’s a big guy, so I hope he can block at least. The Bears could use those upgrades.
Yeah, Claypool’s work ethic has been rather frustrating. Chicago still seems to be closer to “rebuild the roster” than to “push for the title”, but in the event that they do decide to go for it, would they want to trade Claypool’s (cheaper) attitude questions for Hopkins’?
Of course, this is assuming that Hopkins or Claypool actually do have attitude issues in reality. You’d think that Hopkins can give at least as much as Claypool yardage-wise in any lineup, but both of those guys will line up almost exclusively outside. Mooney can move inside (or even Moore, who obviously wouldn’t spend the majority of his time there). Chicago has made moves for both N’Keal Harry and Chase Claypool on the cheap, so it does seem that they’re looking for help on the outside in a 50/50 ball type of role.
With all of that said, I think the emphasis there is on the word “cheap”. I don’t see Poles ponying up the necessary money to sign Hopkins this year and I don’t see Hopkins lowering his price to meet Poles’ “try them and see if they fit” roster building mentality. Maybe as Poles gets more competitive in the near future, he will take more chances on getting veteran playmakers. Right now, it seems to me that he’s building his foundation. I think both of you hit on the Bears’ situation well. They’re frustrated with Claypool, and are one of the few teams who could afford this idea, but I doubt that they go for it right now.
Just wanted to add 1 note about the Bears running back room. Aside from D’Onta Foreman, Khalil Herbert and Roschon Johnson, the Chicago Bears signed RB Travis Homer formerly of the Seattle Seahawks to a 2-year $4 million deal with $1.75 million in guarantees. Chicago has invested in some weapons, they just need to figure out how to use them.