Over the past couple of days, things have gotten more serious in regards to a potential Dalvin Cook release, and the Buffalo Bills should be paying close attention.
At one point, it was assumed the Vikings would trade the star running back in order to save some money against the cap, while rolling with Alexander Mattison as their lead rusher for 2023. But, the further into the offseason we get, that’s not looking like it’s going to happen.
In fact, now, it appears as though the Vikings will end up cutting ties with the 4-time 1,000-yard rusher. If Minnesota does indeed release Cook, he’ll get swept up in a hurry, and the Bills are certainly a team to watch when looking at his next home.
It seems like a no-brainer for the Bills to pursue the former second-round pick, and there are multiple reasons why.
Why the Buffalo Bills should pursue Dalvin Cook if he’s cut: This season is Super Bowl or bust
The first reason why Buffalo should pursue Cook is pretty simple: he’s a phenomenal talent, and the Bills are in the business of winning a Super Bowl and winning it soon; as in, this season.
This offense is thought to be one more playmaker away from being a Super Bowl offense, and Cook’s presence would definitely count as that key playmaker. Although Buffalo should still look at wide receivers, Cook’s ability to draw the attention of a defense will allow Josh Allen to have less pressure mounting on his shoulders.
Buffalo’s salary cap table is extremely top-heavy, which is usually only the case if a team is looking to win now, and that’s exactly what they’re trying to do. If you have an opportunity, as Brandon Beane, to add a guy who’s made four-straight Pro Bowls and can become a focal point of your offense, you do it, period.
But, Cook’s talent alone isn’t the only reason to go get him. There are legitimate concerns at the running back position, for those who may not know.
Why the Buffalo Bills should pursue Dalvin Cook if he’s cut: Damien Harris’ injury history
When the Bills signed Damien Harris this offseason, the contract looked like a low-risk, fairly-cheap type of deal. At first glance, sure, it was a fair deal. After all, it was only a 1-year deal worth $1.77 million. As a possible starting running back, or at least a complimentary type, that’s money well spent.
But, if the Bills had the chance to add Dalvin Cook, they should do it in a heartbeat, because Harris’ injury history is especially concerning.
Since 2018 (his last collegiate season before turning pro), Harris has suffered two concussions. In 2019, as a rookie, Harris missed three games with a hamstring injury. He also rarely played that season as a rookie.
In his second season, Harris missed the first three games of the season with a broken finger. Then, he missed the Patriots’ final three games that year with a high ankle sprain.
During the 2021 season, Harris suffered one of those two concussions, dealt with a rib injury, endured a neck issue as well as another hamstring issue.
Last year, Harris once again dealt with a hamstring injury and then went out with a thigh issue. In four seasons, the running back has only appeared in 38 games.
Why the Buffalo Bills should pursue Dalvin Cook if he’s cut: Team morale
Let’s be honest. What two brothers, in the NFL, wouldn’t love a chance to play together? It rarely happens, but this is an opportunity for two very good football players, who happen to be brothers, to play on the same team.
Not only that, but they have an opportunity to be on the field at the same time, depending on the package Buffalo puts out there on any given down.
If two of the most important players on your offense are happy, that’s a good recipe for a positive team morale and, more often than not, should lead to more points scored.
Cook wouldn’t just unite with his brother James, but he’d get the chance to reunite with former Vikings teammate Stefon Diggs. Last season, Diggs was clearly frustrated at times and it was mostly due to the fact that he didn’t have anyone else to take the pressure off him.
The Bills should definitely think long and hard about drafting a wide receiver early, to help with this cause, but if you had someone like (Dalvin) Cook in the back field, that would instantly remove some of said pressure on Diggs’ shoulders and hopefully open up more opportunities for him to make plays.