49ers said 'no' to DeAndre Hopkins, should also say 'no' to Dalvin Cook

The Vikings are parting ways with Dalvin Cook, and because someone will ask, the 49ers do not need another high-profile running back. Just like they didn't need DeAndre Hopkins.

Not long ago, the Arizona Cardinals did right by All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who didn't want to be part of what's shaping up to be a long rebuild out in the desert and desired to play for a stable contender with a great defense and an excellent front office.

Sounds a lot like the San Francisco 49ers, right?

Well, the Niners opted not to pursue Hopkins for a number of correct reasons. They didn't need to get into a bidding war over his services for what would essentially be a No. 3 role on the depth chart behind wideouts Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk. And they'd be better off using whatever limited financial resources they have left to shore up other positions of need.

Similarly, one of those positions San Francisco doesn't need to shore up either is at running back.

Even if there's a big name to be had out on the market, Dalvin Cook.

Vikings to cut Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook, per NFL Network

The theory about not spending big bucks on running backs will be reinforced even more by the news that the Minnesota Vikings are going to part ways with Cook, the four-time Pro Bowler, according to a Thursday report from NFL Network's Tom Pelissero:

As Pelissero mentioned, Cook will have a number of suitors. At the prime of his career, Cook is one of the more dynamic and talented tailbacks out there.

And, at least on paper, he'd be an ideal fit in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.

That doesn't mean the 49ers should be interested, though.

49ers don't need to invest in RB Dalvin Cook

The Niners already have a dual-threat multiyear Pro Bowl running back in Christian McCaffrey. He helped transform Shanahan's offense after coming over from the Carolina Panthers via a trade last year.

Plus, according to Over the Cap, McCaffrey is going to cost San Francisco just $3.42 million this season but $14.14 next season. Assuming Cook wants more than a one-year deal, it'd be nearly impossible for the 49ers to house both McCaffrey and Cook's contracts.

Plus, McCaffrey has been one of the relatively few examples of success from the 49ers investing heavily at the position, either financially or via NFL Draft capital.

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In some sense, acquiring McCaffrey was prompted by previous failed draft additions of Trey Sermon and Tyrion Davis-Price, both of whom were Round 3 picks who didn't make the desired impact for the Niners. And while San Francisco has seemingly found less-heralded gems either late in the draft or from the ranks of the undrafted, such as Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason, tossing more assets in the direction of someone like Cook would be unwise.

Simply put, the 49ers don't need to use their resources on someone like Cook. Not with McCaffrey around and not with previous failed attempts to reinforce the position.

Just like they did with Hopkins, the Niners can simply pass on Cook.

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