Cowboys cooking up a running back trade, or is someone blowing smoke?

Trade rumors are what fuels the NFL postseason this time of year. One involving the Dallas Cowboys and Dalvin Cook is gathering steam.

Per a source, according to a Minnesota Vikings-related podcast, the Cowboys have “kicked the tires” on a trade for the seventh-year running back.

The source added that the New York Jets have also chimed in on Cook’s availability. Last week Cook was all but certain to be heading for either Miami or Buffalo.

It’s rumor-season, folks. That’s what any blogger, podcaster or journalist does from June through August.

How seriously did the Cowboys inquire? Are they thinking Cook could be the final piece to get them back to the Super Bowl?

Don’t know, is the correct response for anyone not named Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, Will McClay, or Mike McCarthy.

But that isn’t going to stop us all from speculating. So let’s get to it, shall we?

Whose Crazy Idea Is This?

My first reaction was “No, Minnesota, we aren’t going to make up for the Hershel Walker trade.” That trade burned that franchise so bad I’m surprised they even try trading anymore.

This was followed by wondering how the Vikings’ Front Office doesn’t reach for their Crucifixes and Holy Water any time the Cowboys’ name is mentioned in their presence.

Looking at the Vikings’ roster, I’m having difficultly seeing the Vikings’ being comfortable with Alexander Mattison as their lead back.

If they were willing to part with Cook would they have waited until the seventh round to pick a running back? They would have addressed that need much earlier.

What Does Cook Bring To The Table

But let’s say Cook really is on the market. And let’s say Dallas sees him as that final piece. What will he bring to Dallas?

Cook has played in 73 games over six seasons. Last year was the first year he played in all 17 games. He’s rushed for over 1,100 yards the last four seasons.

With 5,993 yards he’s averaging 82 yards a game and has 47 career touchdowns.

Through the air he’s added 1,794 yards on 221 catches for five touchdowns. He fumbles about once every 70 carries.

His numbers in 2021 and 2022 were down from his career best 2020 numbers. He rushed for over 1,500 yards that year, averaging 111 yards a game and 16 touchdowns.

But the Vikings have become more of a throw-first team and they had to abandon the run in many games they were trailing. Where Cook’s numbers fell, quarterback Kirk Cousins’ numbers increased.

Cook’s falling production isn’t necessarily an indication of his decline. In short, Cook might have a lot more left in his tank.

Fitting Cook Into The Gameplan, Salary Cap

Unlike the recently departed Ezekiel Elliott, Cook could produce for the Cowboys, or any other teams he lands on for that matter.

Adding Cook to the roster would be of value to Dallas. McCarthy wants to run the ball more. A backfield of Cook, Tony Pollard, Ronald Jones and company could do that.

It would also take some of the pressure off Dak Prescott and the passing game. And a solid running game eats up clock and takes pressure off the Cowboys’ defense.

So yes, adding Cook makes sense. Fitting him under the cap and getting him without giving up too much in the trade is another question.

Cook’s contract calls for $14 million this year, $15 million in 2024 and $13.5 million in 2025. Can Dallas work those numbers out?

I’m not the salary cap expert around these parts. So I have no idea if they can.

As for what to give up, a third round pick in 2024 sounds about right to me. Maybe toss in a late rounder in 2025 to sweeten the deal.

But the Vikings shouldn’t expect to pull off their own Herschel Walker trade. The entire league learned that lesson all too well back in 1989.