The Minnesota Vikings are moving on from star running back Dalvin Cook. After attempting to trade him this offseason, the Vikings have decided to part ways with Cook, according to multiple reports.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the Vikings have informed Cook he’s being released by the team, though that doesn’t make the move official. Schefter also noted that Minnesota will try to trade Cook one last time on Thursday but if no trade partner is found, he will officially be released on Friday.
Cook spent the first six seasons of his career with the Vikings, rushing for 5,993 yards and 47 touchdowns, but he’ll now be looking for a new home. This will be his first time hitting free agency and both the Dolphins and Broncos are expected to have interest in signing him, per Schefter.
Vikings have informed Dalvin Cook that he’s being released, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 8, 2023
Vikings are expected to try to trade four-time Pro-Bowl RB Dalvin Cook one more time today and if they are unable to, they would plan to process his official release Friday, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 8, 2023
Cook has three years left on his contract with the Vikings, with cap hits between $14 million and $15.6 million each year. By releasing Cook, the Vikings will save $9 million in cap space, while also taking on $5.1 million in dead money.
This decision thrusts Alexander Mattison into a starting role for Minnesota, sitting atop the depth chart right now.