5 teams that should call Vikings about Dalvin Cook

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 15: Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) ran in for a 75-yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter of an NFL football game on Sunday, September 15, 2019 at Lambeau Field. (Photo by Carlos Gonzalez/Star Tribune via Getty Images) /

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Head coach Bruce Arians of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Dalvin Cook to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sticking with the NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have long had the biggest need at the running back position in the league. They’ve held of on signing Devonta Freeman, formerly of the Atlanta Falcons, due to concerns about both his health and his salary. The Bucs are already running up on the cap after paying their own, acquiring Tom Brady ,and reuniting him with big-name tight end Rob Gronkowski.

Heading into the summer, the Buccaneers starting running back is Ronald Jones. He showed improved play in his second season, averaging 4.5 yards per carry with 10.0 yards per reception and six rushing touchdowns. He’s a candidate for a third-year leap, and the Bucs also added a running back in the third round.

The problem is that Jones is inconsistent in all three phases of the game and isn’t the impact running back Tom Brady needs. Brady is at his best when he has a running back who can grind out tough yardage consistently and a running back who can make big plays in the passing game. Jones is a solid player, but he fits neither profile.

Dalvin Cook fits both, having caught 53 passes for Kirk Cousins last season with 13 rushing touchdowns and 81.1 rushing yards per game. The Buccaneers have eyes on a Super Bowl with Brady at the helm, and Cook is a player who can deliver a championship to Tampa Bay.

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