Dalvin Cook 'Could Be' Cut, Says Insider; Should Bills Sign?

Amid stalling contract talks, the Minnesota Vikings would certainly look to trade star running back Dalvin Cook first before getting nothing in return by releasing him. But the latter remains a possibility, one that the Buffalo Bills should keep close tabs on.

Maybe the Buffalo Bills could get their splash addition of the offseason without having to make a trade at all, though it would still cost them.

But before even getting to that not-so-guaranteed stage, the Minnesota Vikings and star running back Dalvin Cook will need to figure out their future together.

Cook, a four-time Pro Bowler, remains stuck in contract extension talks with the Vikings this offseason. He signed a five-year, $63 million deal with Minnesota in 2020, and could either play out the rest of his contract or bet on himself at age 27 - while playing the sport's most expendable position - in order to receive more money.

Naturally, the Vikings are looking to do what's in their best interest as well. If the two sides can't agree on a deal, trading Cook while his value is still there to get something in return is an obvious option. Minnesota still has the ability to acquire potential draft assets, but will need to act fast before the 2023 NFL Draft begins and ends.

But ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler said Saturday that the Vikings could potentially look to cut Cook altogether if a new contract or trade doesn't come in time. This is obviously the Vikings' last choice of the three, but it's certainly notable that "all options are on the table."

"I'm told all options are on the table here and that he could be released closer to the draft if things don't work out," Fowler said Saturday on ESPN. "They had talked to at least one team about a trade in the past closer to free agency, so he is certainly a name to watch."

As a result, the Bills could find themselves with the ability to potentially sign Cook aboard if he does somehow get cut. Of course, they'd have to pay around the same amount he was asking from the Vikings if the Bills want to bring him to Orchard Park to reunite with his brother, James, in the backfield.

By restructuring the contracts of stars like linebacker Von Miller, recevier Stefon Diggs and quarterback Josh Allen this offseason, Bills general manager Brandon Beane has provided the team with a bit more cap room to potentially make a deal with Cook possible. The Bills currently have about $6.5 million in cap room, which ranks 24th in the league, per Spotrac.

Buffalo may not have to look at Cook's statistical production for long before potentially deciding if he's a good fit for an offense that hasn't had a 1,000-yard rusher since 2017.

Cook has topped at least 1,000 rushing yards and six total touchdowns in each of the last four seasons. He's also not too far removed from his incredible 2020 season, which saw him finish second in the league in rushing yards (1,557) and tied for second in rushing touchdowns (16).

But if they want to be convinced, the Bills might have to look no further than the 81-yard rushing touchdown he scored against them in a thrilling 33-30 overtime win for the Vikings on Nov. 13.

Cook could still ultimately come to an agreement on an extension with the Vikings or be traded elsewhere. But given their lack of star power at running back, the Bills should remain interested in Cook's availability via the trade market or as a free agent.

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You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7

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