NFL Insider Shoots Down Patriots Signing Dalvin Cook; Why?

After discussion broke out about the New England Patriots pursuing free-agent running back Dalvin Cook, Ian Rapoport has poured cold water on the idea.

Amidst the ongoing interest in the DeAndre Hopkins free-agent saga, a new discussion began about the New England Patriots going after running back Dalvin Cook.

The discussion around Cook - also on the open market following his release from the Minnesota Vikings - seemingly came out of nowhere, as the Patriots don't necessarily have a "need" for a No. 1 running back. Still, after releasing James Robinson, many suggested they need someone to pair with Rhamondre Stevenson.

Could Cook be a realistic option for the Patriots? Not so fast, as NFL Network's Ian Rapoport recently poured cold water on the Cook-to-New England rumors. 

"Take a look at the Patriots. If they paid Dalvin Cook and gave him a real running back salary, it'd be the first time they really paid a running back in; I don't know, maybe forever, at least a real starting running back," Rapoport said. "Plus, they have Rhamondre Stevenson; if he goes off this year, he could be prime for a [big extension]. Instead, I'd focus more on the teams that were interested in potentially trading for him originally.

"The Denver Broncos, the Miami Dolphins. Might a team like the Jets, who could be looking to get the final piece to the puzzle. ... Maybe focus more on those teams rather than the Patriots."

Probably not what fans who were interested in Cook wanted to hear. But sometimes, the cold, hard truth hurts. As Rapoport notes, history suggests that the Patriots under Bill Belichick don't spend big money on running backs, no matter who they are. Why would Cook be any different, especially with Stevenson coming up on an extension?

The reason for the Patriots likely not pursuing Cook is less to do with the player, as he is coming off his fourth-straight season with over 1,000 yards rushing. Instead, it is about how New England conducts its business in free agency. 

So, if Cook is truly off the board, the Patriots will turn to current roster options Ty Montgomery, Pierre Strong, and Kevin Harris to help lighten the load for Stevenson as the top back.

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