Vikings release perennial Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook
After weeks of speculation, the Minnesota Vikings parted ways with star running back Dalvin Cook.
Cook was set to be a $14.1 million cap hit for the 2023 season. The Vikings’ decision to release him after June 1 saves them $9 million cap space. Meanwhile, they take on a $5.1 million dead cap hit.
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“I hold Dalvin in the highest regard and am grateful for his contributions on and off the field,” coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement via ESPN. “Dalvin is a tough, dynamic player and a respected leader by his teammates, which was evident by his multiple seasons as a team captain. As a finalist for the 2022 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, Dalvin’s approach to the game and his commitment to sportsmanship is clearly respected across the league. We appreciate Dalvin’s positivity, energy and leadership and will be pulling for him in the future.”
Cook provided significant stability in his six seasons in Minnesota. He recorded 5,993 rushing yards on 4.7 yards per carry with 47 touchdowns. As well as that, he had 211 receptions for 1,794 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Despite tearing his ACL four games into his rookie campaign, he put forth elite production throughout his carer. He’s notched more than 1,100 rushing yards in each of the last four seasons.
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However, the Vikings wanted to get ahead of overpaying him as his production declines. The expectation is that he will inevitably see his performance drop as he nears closer to 30 years old due to the wear and tear.
Cook’s departure will see Alexander Mattison get the starting job. Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins have been circled as the frontrunner to land the FSU product once he hits free agency.
