By Kenny Burgess
At the moment, there are some big-name NFL free agents still on the market and with training camp around the corner, we expect some of these dominoes to fall into place in the coming weeks. The names that highlight this list are Deandre Hopkins, Ezekiel Elliott, and now, Dalvin Cook. It was reported on the morning of Jun. 8 that the Vikings would be parting ways with the four-time Pro Bowl running back Cook. These are the three biggest names on the market and here at Only Players, we are here to help find the best fits for these players, and what the odds are telling us about their next locations.
Deandre Hopkins
On May 30, the Arizona Cardinals shocked many around the football world when they cut ties with star wide receiver Hopkins. He is still out on the open market as of today and doesn’t appear to be in any rush to pick his next location, but those around Hopkins have indicated he wants to play for a contender and would prefer a top-tier quarterback.
It was reported on Jun. 7 that Hopkins would be taking a visit with the Tennessee Titans. While the fit doesn’t exactly align with what Hopkins has said about his desired location, it definitely means something that he is heading to Nashville. While the oddsmakers don’t see Tennessee as one of the favorites at the moment, Hopkins is linked to Tennessee due to his connection with the offensive coordinator Tim Kelly from their time together at Houston.
The next destination that comes to mind and the current favorite is the Buffalo Bills. The fit aligns as Buffalo is a true contender and Josh Allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. Currently, DraftKings has the Bills as the favorites to land Hopkins at +250. If he ended up in Buffalo, the franchise would have one of the best one-two receiver combos in the league with Hopkins and Stefon Diggs.
The Kansas City Chiefs follow closely behind in terms of a likely destination for Hopkins. The Chiefs are second in odds of landing the five-time Pro Bowler at +400. If Hopkins teams up with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid, the entire AFC should be worried. With that type of talent at quarterback and the incredible play-design/play-calling of Reid, the sky would truly be the limit for the Chiefs’ offense. The fit almost makes too much sense and I would love to see Hopkins in Kansas City.
Currently, the Jets are third in terms of odds to land Hopkins services at +550, which seems to be a popular choice already for players since Aaron Rodgers has entered the fold. With the addition of Rodgers to a roster that already has one of the best defenses in the league, many see the Jets as a threat in the AFC and can make them an appealing spot for Hopkins. If Rodgers’ weapons are Garret Wilson, Breece Hall, and Deandre Hopkins, he’ll have no excuses for not having immediate success.
The next best odds are as follows: Ravens +650, Patriots +800, and the Chargers +1000.
There are no indications that Hopkins will pick his next destination soon with his hard deadline being the start of training camp. At this time, we’re all left to speculate where Hopkins will end up as he has been keeping his cards close to his chest so far.
Ezekiel Elliott
The eight-year veteran and three-time Pro Bowl running back was cut by the Dallas Cowboys on Mar. 15 earlier this year. We’re currently in June and Elliott is still looking for a home for the next season. While Elliott is not the perennial pro bowler we saw during his first five seasons in Dallas, he still could be an enticing piece for some teams. He is effective in short-yardage situations, specifically around the goal line, and despite posting a career-low in yards, Elliott still hit the endzone 12 times last season.
At the time of his release, the Bengals seemed like Elliott’s most likely destination. Many thought the Bengals were going to cut ties with Joe Mixon, but it appears he’s staying for this season at least. As long as Mixon is there, I don’t see the fit for Elliott. There was some buzz around Elliott staying in the division and heading to Philadelphia, but with each day that passes by, I feel as though that becomes less and less likely. Philadelphia also traded for former Lion D’Andre Swift on Apr. 29, which pretty much closed the door on Elliott.
Right now, I think the most likely destination for Elliott is staying put in Dallas. Even though the team cut him, it was mostly due to salary cap concerns. Elliott is familiar with the offense and is beloved by his teammates. When asked about a possible return to Dallas, owner Jerry Jones said he has not ruled out a return and both sides are evaluating their respective futures.
Dalvin Cook
The Vikings announced on Jun. 7 that if they can’t find a trade partner that day, then the team plans on cutting their superstar running back the following day. Cook is still extremely productive and has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the last four seasons.
Many experts believe the Miami Dolphins are the most likely landing spot for the 27-year-old Florida native. Miami is the co-favorite to land Cook’s services at +300 and has almost $14 million in cap space. While the Dolphins have many serviceable running backs in Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, and Chase Edmonds, none of them are on the same level as Cook, who would be another dynamic piece to Mike McDaniel’s offense that already features Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle on the outside. I think the fit and hometown connection makes this a likely destination if Cook hits the open market tomorrow.
The other co-favorite is the Buffalo Bills, whose odds to acquire Cook also sit at +300. It feels like it’s been the same story for Buffalo the past few seasons as it struggled to establish a solid running game. Over Allen’s tenure, it feels like he has also been their most reliable runner. This hasn’t led to the success that the Bills are looking for and adding a legit superstar in the backfield would make sense. Not to mention Cook’s brother, James, is already in Buffalo and sharing the backfield with his brother could be enticing.
Another team that has been linked to Cook is Denver, though it appears the interest might be more on the Broncos’ end of things. Denver could use a game-changer at running back, but it’s unclear if Cook would want to head there following the disastrous season it had on the offensive side of the ball. The Broncos’ odds to add Cook are currently at +700, but they might be a dark horse destination due to the fact that they might be the most aggressive in their pursuit of him.
Other teams’ odds to land Cook are as follows: New York Jets +500, Dallas Cowboys +600, Philadelphia Eagles +800, and New England Patriots +900.
Photo credit: Arizona Cardinals’ Instagram
