Dalvin Cook Wants to Be Paid Like 'One of Best Backs in League,' per Report

Free agent running back Dalvin Cook is said to hold offers from numerous teams, but the current standstill on the ex-Viking’s signing appears to come down to what those offers look like.

As NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported on Good Morning Football, the Dolphins are one team with interest in Cook which has made an offer to the running back. The issue? Per Wolfe, Cook believes he’s “one of the best backs in the league, and he wants to be paid as such.”

“The Dolphins do have interest. They’ve had conversations with Dalvin Cook. There have been offers made from multiple teams, I’m told, including the Dolphins. But right now, they’re in a holding pattern. … He and his team are comfortable if it goes into camp or if it goes into the season. He believes he’s one of the best backs in the league, and he wants to be paid as such,” Wolfe explained.

Cook can still play at a high level, but if he’s looking for compensation similar to top NFL running backs, that could lead to a standstill. Considering that Saquon Barkley still is negotiating a contract with the Giants, there’s a distinct possibility that Cook will have a tough time getting the money he appears to be seeking. Both Cook and Barkley averaged 4.4 yards per carry last season, but Barkley recorded 139 more yards and two more touchdown runs.

Time will tell, but many teams are set at running back, and while they might want to add Cook, paying a large amount to do so wouldn’t make sense for the bulk of those potential suitors.