Dalvin Cook Hinting at Signing With Bill Belichick's Patriots?

Dalvin Cook in 2023 could be not only a difference-maker for his team ... but also a fulcrum in terms of who wins the AFC East. And he seems to be "winking'' at the Patriots.

Every team in the AFC East has been linked in one form or another to former Minnesota Vikings star running back Dalvin Cook, and now it seems it's the New England Patriots turn.

Cook this weekend retweeted a clip from the "Pat McAfee Show'' as it engaged in a discussion centering around why Cook would be a good fit in New England. (See more here.)

In the clip, Michael Lombardi - who is a long-time associate of Patriots boss Bill Belichick - explains why the Patriots should pursue him.

"I believe that Dalvin Cook would be a good fit for the Patriots and they need another back"@mlombardiNFL #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/W1bE4EaLUN

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 23, 2023

“I actually believe Dalvin Cook would be a better fit than (DeAndre Hopkins) for them (Patriots),” Lombardi said. “They need another back back there and I think Cook is one of those really good, change of pace, catch a screen go a long way, I think he will make a huge difference for the Patriots' offense with (Rhamondre) Stevenson.”

There are two elements that are intriguing. One comes from Lombardi; it is unlikely he would go off half-cocked on this idea without something tangible in terms of inside info from New England.

The other element? The fact that Dalvin paid attention to and retweeted the clip. It is at the very least intriguing, and putting Lombardi's words with Cook's actions make this a story worth chasing.

Cook, 27, is desirous of a $10 million salary, the same number that Minnesota deemed too high. In this era of "the devaluation of the running back,'' is he destined to receive a lucrative deal as training camps approach?

We know he has interest in the Miami Dolphins in his home town. We believe he has interest in the Buffalo Bills, where his brother James already plays running back (though the Bills do not seem to share that interest). And there has been noise about the New York Jets wanting to get involved.

“A lot of people got me pegged going back home (to Miami). A lot of people got me going to the Jets," Cook said during an appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio. "It's all over the place right now, but what's gonna be important for me is just going to that right situation and helping somebody turn the page.

"I want to go and be the piece that can just help somebody win and get over the hump and whatever that situation comes with, if it comes with me taking less reps, but me being in the perfect situation to hold up that trophy, I don't mind.”

This past season with the Vikings, Cook rushed for 1,173 yards with eight rushing touchdowns. He added 39 receptions, 295 receiving yards, and a pair of receiving touchdowns. He underwent offseason surgery to correct a chronic shoulder problem and in 2023 could be not only a difference-maker for his team ... but also a fulcrum in terms of who wins the AFC East.

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