New England Patriots

New England Patriots

New England Patriots

Running back Dalvin Cook of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball during a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Jan. 8, 2023. (Quinn Harris/Getty Images)

As Patriots director of player personnel Matt Groh pointed out on Wednesday, the team is always exploring options when it comes to free agency. Less than 24 hours later, it looks like the Patriots have a visit set up with the highest-profile player available on the market.

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Patriots are in the process of “setting up a possible visit to New England” with four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. Cook, who turns 28 next month, has been a free agent since being released by the Minnesota Vikings in early June.

If the Patriots do get a meeting with Cook, it would be their second high-profile free agent meeting in just over a month. The team hosted DeAndre Hopkins in mid-June before he signed with the Tennessee Titans.

Cook will already be in the Northeast this weekend. He’s flying to New York on Thursday for a weekend meeting with the New York Jets, per NFL Network’s Tom Pellissero. There seems to be building competition within the AFC East for Cook, with rumors also linking him to the Miami Dolphins.


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    Speaking with the media before Thursday’s practice, head coach Bill Belichick was asked if he could confirm Fowler’s report. He turned to one of his favorite press conference answers, replying “no, I’m not going to talk about players that aren’t on the team. Long-standing policy.”

    Cook is not only one of the top running backs in the league, but one of the most versatile as well. Last season he ran for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns, and caught another 39 passes for 295 yards.

    It would be interesting to see how the Patriots would use Cook in the context of their current offense. Rhamondre Stevenson is arguably their best skill-position player, and regularly having two running backs on the field at the same time would mean a significant overhaul of the system they’ve been installing since the spring. How would Stevenson and Cook split carries, and would Cook see time as a wide receiver would be two pressing questions should they sign him.

  • Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].

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