The Minnesota Vikings released running back Dalvin Cook on Friday after being unable to trade him this offseason. As the Pro Bowl offensive weapon heads into NFL free agency, he is already drawing interest from multiple teams.
Cook is coming off his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season in Minnesota. Over the last four years, the 5-foot-10 running back compiled over 6,400 scrimmage yards in 58 games, with 46 total touchdowns and averaged 4.7 yards per carry.
- Dalvin Cook stats (2022): 1,468 scrimmage yards, 10 total touchdowns, 4.4 ypc
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However, the Vikings entered the offseason with the intent of reshaping their roster with cap-conscious decisions and a focus on building for the future. Minnesota tried trading Cook multiples times, but the market never materialized with teams counting on the four-time Pro Bowl selection being released before training camp.
Minnesota officially released its star running back on Friday afternoon, with their general manager and head coach both thanking him for his contributions. While there’s no timeline for Cook to make a decision, he’s already drawing significant interest around the league.
New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh told Connor Hughes of SNY.tv that the front office will look into Cook now that he is a free agent. New York likes its situation at running back with Breece Hall and Michael Carter, but Hall is returning from a torn ACL.
However, Saleh also noted that money will be a factor. While the Jets have $24.79 million in cap space right now, they are focused on a long-term contract extension for Quinnen Williams and are projected to have no cap space next year.
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According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Miami Dolphins also plan to pursue Cook. Even after re-signing Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson Jr. in March and then drafting Devon Achane, Miami is interested in Cook and the feeling is mutual for the Florida native.
Cook was extremely productive for Minnesota last season, averaging 4.4 yards per carry and scoring 10 touchdowns with 1,468 scrimmage yards in 17 games.
However, there were also signs of talent regression. According to Next Gen Stats, Cook ranked 32nd in yards created per touch (2.4), 30th in breakaway run rate (4.5%) and 37th in true yards per carry (4.1). Furthermore, his yards after contact per attempt dipped from 2.4 (2020) to 1.9 (2021) and finally 1.8 this past season.
Wherever he lands, Cook is headed for a diminished role. After averaging over 300 touches per season from 2019-’22, Cook’s next team will likely feature him as part of a committee. While it will result in a dip in his production, it should help him remain an extremely efficient player.