Next Man Up? Patriots New Betting Favorites for Pro Bowl RB

Despite losing out on acquiring receiver DeAndre Hopkins, the oddsmakers favor the New England Patriots to sign four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook.

FOXBORO — Are the New England Patriots on to … wait for it … Dalvin Cook?

Having recently swung and missed on their attempt to add five-time All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins, New England is once again being notably linked via the rumor mill to the former Minnesota Vikings running back. 

In fact, per the latest offering from DraftKings Sportsbook, the Pats are the new favorites to sign Cook (+150) prior to the start of training camp. 

Despite the Miami Dolphins remaining his most logical destination, rumors have continued to circulate surrounding the Patriots possible interest in acquiring Cook. Following the release of James Robinson in June, New England has reputedly been in the market for a dual-threat back to complement top runner Rhamondre Stevenson. Though receiver Hopkins had been the Pats primary free agent target, several NFL analysts have listed New England as a potential fit.

With just north of $18 million in available salary cap space — and Hopkins set to join the Tennessee Titans in a matter of days — might the Pats be willing to increase their offer to secure Cooks’ services? 

One prominent NFL Insider seems to be thinking in-line with the oddsmakers: 

“Let’s see if they take some of this money that could have been earmarked for DeAndre Hopkins, and try to reallocate it to a player like Dalvin Cook,” Schefter said Monday on ESPN’s “Get Up,”

On the field, Cook is still one of the best running backs in the NFL. In 2022 with the Minnesota Vikings, Cook rushed for 1,173 yards with eight rushing touchdowns. He added 39 receptions, 295 receiving yards, and a pair of receiving touchdowns. During the Vikings’ Wild Card match against the New York Giants, Cook had 15 carries for 60 rushing yards and 6 receptions for 10 yards in the 24-31 loss.

Still, Minnesota cut ties with their top rusher for financial reasons in early June. Cook was set to earn base salaries of $10.4 million in 2023 and $11.9 million in 2024. Initial reports indicated that he was seeking a deal which his new team would pay him similarly. At present, it is unclear as to whether Cook has lowered his asking price.

With the Patriots, Cook would immediately become a 1a option alongside Stevenson. Though his style is more conducive to zone, [primarily inside, with additional looks outside, as well] he has the skill set and veteran savvy to become equally potent on the ground, as well as receiving out of the backfield. 

However, New England’s decision to sign the talented back will be determined more by finance than football. While they have the monetary means, the Hopkins negotiations clearly showed that the Pats may need to show a bit more aggression — likely in the form of a sweetened offer — to add Cook to their roster. 

The Patriots will hold their first training camp practice on July 26. Whether Cook is a part of their corps of running backs remains something on which to keep a sharp eye in the coming days. 

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