AP Photo/Matt Rourke
Some within the NFL believe teams have been hesitant to sign free agent running back Dalvin Cook because of “rumors” of a potential suspension.
According to Rochelle Olson of the Minneapolis Star Tribune (h/t 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 clear him of “any wrongdoing” regarding the domestic violence allegations against him.
Cook denied the allegations and filed a defamation lawsuit against Trimble.
Trimble was reportedly initially offered $800,000 before that sum was increased to $1 million. Olson said Trimble’s legal team wants to use the settlement offers against Cook in a lawsuit because it believes they demonstrate a “consciousness of guilt.”
Settlement offers are typically not admissible in court, but Florio noted that Cook’s attorneys asking Trimble to send an exoneration letter to the NFL suggests 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 rushed for at least 1,100 yards in each of those seasons as well.
Cook had a breakout 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, rushing for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns while catching 39 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns.
Cook, who averaged an impressive 4.7 yards per carry during his career, would received interest in free agency with AFC East rivals the New York Jets, New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins.
Heading into the preseason, Cook is arguably the best player available at running back.
