No, Cardinals Shouldn't Sign Dalvin Cook

This really shouldn't be a discussion.

We're in peak offseason mode for NFL football, where nearly nothing is happening and we're stuck to making anything out of nothing - even a team such as the Arizona Cardinals (who have zero expectations in 2023) find themselves in the rumor mill in June. 

Running back Dalvin Cook has endured a long offseason of speculation surrounding his status with the Minnesota Vikings, a trek that now seems to be coming to an end after NFL insider Adam Schefter reported the two sides are expected to part ways.

Vikings have informed Dalvin Cook that he’s being released, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 8, 2023

The Vikings reportedly wanted Cook to take a pay cut, and the Florida State product simply wouldn't oblige. Once officially processed, Cook will have the opportunity to sign with any team of his choosing. 

For whatever reason, there's been a chunk of Arizona's fan base that has clamored for the Cardinals to sign him. Yet there's been a handful of sportsbooks that have suggested the desert is a serious landing spot for Cook.

Why?

This is no indictment on Cook, who will be sure to make an impact wherever he goes. There's still some tread on his tires, and hopefully he can make the most of his new opportunity - that just shouldn't be in Arizona.

The running back position has taken quite the hit over the last decade in terms of value. Rarely are teams willing to sink significant capital - whether that be salary or draft picks - into a star running back. The shelf life of a ball-carrier isn't too long in the NFL, and thus a constant rotation of younger/cheaper options typically replace the lead back. 

If Cook was fresh out of college and not wanting close to his $14 million cap number for 2023, the Cardinals could entertain that thought. Arizona has a need for a running mate behind James Conner to keep him fresh, and the 1-2 punch would be quite fun to watch in the desert. 

But this isn't Madden. Cook's presence alone won't help overturn Arizona's current win projections, and Arizona has done their rebuild by the book in terms of not overpaying for talent. 

If the Cardinals were looking to make a playoff push this season, signing Cook would be a bit more believable depending on the sort of compensation you could get him at.

Yet sinking money into a position that doesn't exactly require it - while rebuilding - just doesn't make sense. 

Arizona has kept the big picture in mind with every move made thus far. That won't be thrown away now.