AFC team with need out of Dalvin Cook hunt?

Former Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

AFC team with need appears to drop out of Dalvin Cook sweepstakes

By Vinny Somma | Last updated 6/12/23

Despite what seems to be a need at the running back position, the Denver Broncos appear disinterested in making a run at freshly released Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook.

According to Mike Klis of Denver 9News, "the Broncos do not appear to be in on newly set free running back Dalvin Cook."

Following Cook's release from the Minnesota Vikings this past Friday, Denver instantly jumped to the top of the list of viable landing spots for the reigning 1,000-yard rusher.

Given the second-best odds to sign Cook via DraftKings Sportsbook, the Broncos currently boast a talented — albeit unproven — running back group, headlined by Javonte Williams, who is working his way back from a torn ACL and LCL.

The team signed veteran Samaje Perine this offseason after he spent the last three-plus seasons in Cincinnati. Across two starts with the Bengals last season, Perine amassed 248 yards from scrimmage and scored one touchdown.

The Broncos currently have the second-best odds (+450) to land Dalvin Cook, according to @DKSportsbook pic.twitter.com/O5dQTAlaMe
— Henry Chisholm (@HenryChisholm) June 10, 2023

While Cook would undoubtedly serve as a talent upgrade in Denver's backfield, it's easy to see why the Broncos are considered a long-shot to add the 27-year-old into the fold.

As highlighted by Klis, Cook was scheduled to earn $11M this year prior to his release. While a likely pay cut is on the horizon for the four-time Pro Bowler, he would need to take a sizeable earnings cut to join the Broncos. With the signing of pass-rusher Frank Clark last week, Denver will have approximately $6M in cap space.

The most likely destination for Cook remains the Miami Dolphins, who lack a surefire top option in their Jeff Wilson/Raheem Mostert-led backfield and would represent a homecoming for the South Florida native.

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