Saints Named as Possible Destination for Dalvin Cook

One national site has New Orleans as a potential landing spot for free-agent RB Dalvin Cook. Here's why it makes sense, but also why it probably won't happen.

Minnesota Vikings RB Dalvin Cook was officially released over the weekend after the team was unable to trade him. There are several teams expected to pursue Cook in the upcoming days.

A second-round pick out of Florida State in the 2017 NFL Draft, Cook has played his entire six-year career with the Vikings. He's totaled 5,993 rushing yards and 47 touchdowns while catching 221 passes for 1,794 yards and another five scores.

Cook is coming off 1,173 rushing yards and 10 total scores for the Vikings in 2022. It was his fourth straight 1,000-yard campaign. His best season was in 2020, when he had 1,557 yards on the ground and 16 rushing touchdowns. Both numbers were second in the league. He has 21 career 100-yard outings, including two of over 200.

In an article for NFL.com on June 9, writer Eric Edholm listed the New Orleans Saints as a possible landing spot for Cook, who turns 28 in August. Edholm also listed the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals as potential destinations. 

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) scores on a touchdown reception as Indianapolis Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin (44) and safety Rodney McLeod (26). Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY

Here's what Edholm had to say about Cook's fit with the Saints. 

Sean Payton’s former team could have a need in the backfield. Right now, the Saints look pretty firm with Alvin Kamara, Jamaal Williams and 2023 third-rounder Kendre Miller heading up the position. But Kamara has a July 31 court date stemming from battery charges in Las Vegas and his future remains murky.

Kamara also has seen his productivity decrease the past two seasons and has more NFL touches than Cook. If you figure Williams operates best in a short-yardage role and not as a true workhorse, and Miller might not be ready for significant duty, then there might be a legitimate avenue for Cook to find a featured role in New Orleans.

With the Derek Carr signing, the Saints are indicating they’re aiming for a division title this year -- and the NFC South looks ripe for the picking after every team finished below .500 with a negative point differential a year ago. Cook could be a fine supplement.

NOT LIKELY HAPPENING 

Yes, Kamara is facing at least a six-game league suspension stemming from an alleged assault. However, his production has been slightly down, but that's more because of being misused than a decline in his abilities. 

Kamara, also drafted in 2017, has at least 897 yards rushing in each of the last three seasons, but a career-worst 4 total touchdowns in 2022. His production as a receiver has also plummeted. After averaging nearly 82 receptions and 706 yards over his first four years, he has only 104 catches for 929 yards in the last two campaigns.

Kamara's receiving dip has been because of questionable play-calling and a lack of complementary weapons out of the backfield. The Saints believe they addressed these issues this offseason. First, they signed free-agent RB Jamaal Williams, then they used a third-round draft pick on TCU RB Kendre Miller. 

Williams, a fourth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, is coming off a career-best 1,066 yards and NFL-high 17 touchdowns with the Lions. Miller had 1,399 rushing yards and 17 scores for the national runner-up Horned Frogs. Both backs can pick up yards between the tackles, have the speed to get outside, and are capable receivers. 

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) outruns Buffalo Bills linebacker Tyrel Dodson (53). Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Cook is a top-10 NFL back, but the Saints already have a top-10 back of their own in Kamara. If something goes horribly wrong in Kamara's July 31 hearing and he's suspended for the year, then perhaps the Saints add Cook if he were available. Otherwise, Williams and Miller are more than capable of shouldering the offensive load.

Dalvin Cook could be an immediate starter for several teams who could pick him up. It just won't be with New Orleans.