There’s something about the NFL and Twitter drama.
On Tuesday, Twitter user Ian Hartitz realized that the Minnesota Vikings switched their cover picture.
.@Vikings Twitter banner casually replacing Dalvin Cook with Alexander Mattison pic.twitter.com/gX0OOXdNGZ
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) May 16, 2023
The cover photo used to feature running back Dalvin Cook, but the Vikings seemed to change it to feature backup running back Alexander Mattison instead. Alongside Alexander Mattison is wide receiver Justin Jefferson, tight end T.J. Hockenson, and quarterback Kirk Cousins.
The change is an interesting development given Cook’s uncertain future in Minnesota.
Cook’s name has been heavily circulated in trade rumors, with teams like the Miami Dolphins supposedly interested in the four-time Pro Bowler. However, there’s been little traction in talks.
If Cook, 27, isn’t traded, there’s a possibility that he’s released. If the Vikings choose to designate Cook as a post-June 1st release, they would save $9 million against the cap, giving them over $20 million in cap room.
Cook is under contract for three more years and is scheduled to account for $14 million against the cap in 2023. Mattison would likely start in place of Cook if he is no longer on the roster.