AP Photo/Matt Rourke
Some within the NFL would believe teams were hesitant to sign free agent running back Dalvin Cook because of “chatter” about a possible suspension.
According to Rochelle Olson of the Minneapolis Star Tribune (with Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio), a now-sealed court document showed that Cook’s representatives offered Cook’s ex-girlfriend, Gracelyn Trimble, $1 million to send a letter to the NFL that would exonerate him from “any wrongdoing” regarding domestic violence allegations against him.
Cook denied the allegations and filed a defamation suit against Trimble.
Trimble was reportedly initially offered $800,000 before that amount was increased to $1 million. According to Olson, Trimble’s legal team wants to use the settlement offers against Cook in a lawsuit because they believe it demonstrates “awareness of guilt.”
Settlement offers are generally not admissible in court, but Florio noted that Cook’s lawyers asking Trimble to send a letter of release to the NFL suggest they are at least somewhat concerned about a suspension under the Personal Conduct Policy.
Cook, who turns 28 on Aug. 10, was released by the Minnesota Vikings in June after six seasons with the team.
The 2017 second-round pick out of Florida State has been named to the Pro Bowl in each of the last four years and has also rushed for at least 1,100 yards in each of those seasons.
Cook had a career year in 2020, setting personal bests with 1,557 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns and 5.0 yards per carry.
He was also solid last season, throwing for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns, while catching 39 passes for 295 yards and two scores.
Cook, who averaged an impressive 4.7 yards per carry during his career, reportedly received interest in free agency from AFC East rivals the New York Jets, New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins.
Heading into the preseason roster, Cook is the undisputed best player available at the running back position.
