This Dolphins-Vikings Dalvin Cook Trade Could Actually Work

ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported on Monday that Dalvin Cook is planning a holdout that will last until the Minnesota Vikings offer him a "reasonable" contract extension. Though both sides reportedly opened negotiations earlier this offseason, Minnesota -- if it learned anything from recent history, as it pertains to paying running backs -- would be better off waiting to pay the 24-year-old star when his rookie deal expires, if they do so at all.

If discussions take a turn for the worse, don't be surprised if the Vikings field trade offers for Cook, and they should absolutely listen if the Miami Dolphins come calling.

The Dolphins currently own the third most cap space in the NFL at $29.82 million, so them potentially inking Cook to an extension wouldn't be a huge problem, whereas Minnesota only has just $11.75 million to work with. Despite the Pro Bowler's injury concerns -- he played just 15 games in his first two seasons -- he proved in 2019 that, when healthy, he's one of the most versatile RBs in the league.

Therefore, the Vikings should ask for two draft picks in return for Cook. A first- and fourth-round selection in the 2021 Draft should be more than enough to get a deal done.

Miami would land their running back of the future to pair alongside quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver DeVante Parker, and Minnesota would acquire valuable draft capital that will help the franchise move past losing their 2017 second-round pick. Keep in mind that Cook is from Miami and played college ball at Florida State, so a move to the Dolphins would certainly pique his interest.

Stranger things have happened.