Seems like Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook’s era is over in the Minnesota Vikings.
According to the NFL Insider Tom Pelissero, the Vikings and the four-time Pro Bowl running back, Dalvin Cook are expected to part ways, as per the sources informed of the decision.
The Vikings are expected to officially release Dalvin Cook on Friday, Pelissero added, leaving the door open for a last-minute trade. The Vikes’ brass seemed unable to unload Cook and his contract for months, with a team unlikely to come forward at this point, but stranger things have happened.
Cook was due a base salary of $10.4 million in 2023, which was the impetus for the 27-year-old’s release. The running back has $2 million guaranteed – subject to offset when he signs with a new club. Cook after June 1 allows the Vikings to save $9 million on the salary cap this season with $5 million in dead money.
Cooks remains a dynamic player, coming off his fourth-straight 1,100-plus-yard rushing campaign and fourth consecutive Pro Bowl. A home-run hitter who could churn out yards, Cooks finished his career in Minnesota as the franchise’s third all-time leading rusher with 5,993 yards over six seasons.
Talent wasn’t the reason for the release. Financials were the issue.
Dalvin Cook’s release is the latest move in the Vikings’ rematch, having traded edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to Cleveland last month and recently called up Danielle Hunter. Adofo-Mensah is attempting to rebuild a competitive roster while still competing for a winnable division.
The Vikings signed longtime backup Alexander Mattison to a two-year contract worth up to $8 million this offseason, a key indicator that the club planned to move on from Cooks at some point. Mattison will play lead-back in Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
Upon his release, Cooks should find a solid market, with teams such as the Dolphins and Broncos reportedly expected to be interested in the returning veteran.
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