The Minnesota Vikings held organized team activities this week without Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook, raising more questions about the NFL star’s future in Minnesota. As rumors swirl regarding what the Vikings plan to do with him, there is a market of suitors hoping he’s available.
Cook was floated as a potential cap casualty early this offseason, with Minnesota looking to cut payroll and get under the NFL salary cap. After parting ways with several veterans, Minnesota is now $9.75 million under the cap with a decision to make regarding Cook’s future.
- Dalvin Cook stats (career): 5,993 rushing yards, 47 rushing touchdowns, 4.7 yards per carry
Related: One NFL team came close to acquiring Dalvin Cook this spring
After June 1, releasing the Pro Bowl running back results in $9 million of cap savings and trading him this summer would generate $11 million in cap space. Minnesota has reportedly shopped Cook around the league this offseason, but many teams have exercised patience with the hope that Cook will be released.
As the Vikings’ evaluate their options, there’s already a market of suitors reportedly lined up to pursue the top offensive weapon on the market.
Darren Wolfson of KSTP reported Tuesday on The Mackey & Judd Show that the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets are among the teams interested in adding Cook to their backfield.
As Wolfson noted, the expectation remains that Cook won’t be on the Vikings’ roster by Week 1. While there’s no timeline for a transaction, Minnesota is confident that Alexander Mattison can be its starting running back this season and beyond.
Related: Minnesota Vikings open to keeping Dalvin Cook with one condition
Cook, coming off his fourth consecutive season wot at least 1,300 scrimmage yards, is already believed to be on the Miami Dolphins’ radar and there is mutual interest between the two sides. However, other suitors are expected to be involved.
In Dallas, Cook would become part of a committee with Tony Pollard. The Cowboys’ running back depth behind Pollard, who is recovering from a broken leg, is one of the worst in the NFL. For a team with intentions of becoming more run-oriented in 2023, Mike McCarthy wants multiple options who he can depend on.
New York gets Breece Hall back this summer and it also drafted Israel Abanikanda with the 143rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, Cook would provide the Jets with another offensive weapon and the win-now approach taken into the upcoming season makes adding Cook a possibility.