“Could Reset the Market” : Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs Might Be Factors Holding Dalvin Cook Back Amid Dolphins Interest

The Dolphins have made a contract offer to the free agent running back Dalvin Cook, who was released by the Vikings in June, but he has not agreed to it yet. Why is Cook holding out on the Dolphins? According to ESPN’s conversation, Cook may be waiting for more leverage in his contract negotiations.

Reportedly, Cook is still open to joining the Dolphins, but he wants a better deal than what they have offered him. One factor that could affect contract talks is the July 17th deadline for franchise-tagged players. The deadline also affects other running backs such as Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs, as they are also in search of new contracts. If they manage to secure higher salaries, they could set a new standard for the running back market.

Cook’s demands influenced by Barkley, Jacobs

ESPN’s Jeff Darlington reported, that Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs could benefit Cook, who could use their contracts as a reference point for his own demands. However, Darlington pointed out that this scenario doesn’t directly involve Cook. He mentioned that the contracts of Barkley and Jacobs could provide some guidance for Cook and the Dolphins, but they are not reliant on them.

If Barkley and Jacobs don’t get new contracts by the deadline, Cook and the Dolphins would have to work out their own terms. “If Barkley and Jacobs perhaps could reset the market with a deal of their own, perhaps it would give the Dolphins and Dalvin Cook or another team some idea of what his pay should be. So just one little threshold that maybe we should keep an eye on.” – Darlington’s statement.

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As of now, there is no major update on Cook’s situation with the Dolphins or any other team. Cook intends to delay his final decision until closer to the training camp. The Dolphins remain interested in him and have prepared an offer, but Cook is currently unsatisfied with it.

Dalvin Cook: No settling for Paltry Sum?

Although there haven’t been many significant running back contracts this offseason, Cook might benefit from the market dynamics due to the increasing pressure caused by these upcoming deals. Notably, Cook’s firm stance on his original $10.4 million salary with the Minnesota Vikings led to his release.

However, his confidence appears justified, as he currently boasts ‘multiple offers on the table,’ with no intention of accepting a paltry sum such as $4 or $5 million, according to reliable sources like NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Three prominent running backs – Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard – find themselves in a race against time, as they must secure new contracts. Failing to do so would result in them being bound to play under the $10.1 million franchise tag.

Interestingly, the potential value of any multi-year agreements they manage to ink prior to the crucial date might inadvertently impact the negotiation leverage of another notable running back, Dalvin Cook.

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