All eyes are on the Patriots pursuit and potential signing of free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. But could they be in on another star as well?
Running back Dalvin Cook, who the Vikings released in early June after failing to trade him, was recently connected to New England by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler:
“Let’s start with New England, because we know they have interest in DeAndre Hopkins,” Fowler said on ESPN this week. “I did text with a few teams around the league who said, ‘Hey, why wouldn’t they be interested in Dalvin Cook too? Because they need premium upgrades at the playmaker spot.’”
Fowler continued, “They already have Rhamondre Stevenson at running back, but Cook is a piece that you can move around. They’ve got about $13 million in cap space, still in on Hopkins. So, maybe they can swing a package deal, who knows.”
Cook recently went on ESPN’s The Adam Schefter Podcast, to talk about his free agency process, and told Schefter that “If [Hopkins and I] end up on the same roster, that would be something epic for the NFL.”
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Fowler mentions the Patriots' roughly $13 million in cap space, but could they fit both Hopkins and Cook in at that number? It would certainly be tight. Not only is Hopkins looking for a payday - but Cook, whose release in Minnesota was financially motivated, is also looking for a hefty check given the lack of value at running back in the NFL.
Cook has rushed for 1,100+ yards in each of the last four seasons, and also adds a pass-catching element, having hauled in 221 receptions in his career. To say he would be a nice compliment to Stevenson in New England's backfield would be an understatement. They would immediately become the best 1-2 punch at running back in the league.
While this scenario certainly seems far-fetched, you can never say never with Bill Belichick...
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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