Minnesota Vikings could cut four-time Pro Bowler

Two longtime Minnesota Vikings have already moved on this offseason, with both Adam Thielen and Eric Kendricks being released and signing elsewhere. This means both the offense and defense will already look a bit different next season.

Yet, an even bigger overhaul could still be on the way.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, “all options are on the table” regarding Dalvin Cook’s future with the Vikings. This reportedly includes releasing the six-year-pro. Fowler adds that “at least one team” has spoken with the Vikings’ front office about a potential trade.

While he still has three years at an average salary of $11.7 million left on his contract, the four-time Pro Bowl running back has long been the subject of trade rumors.

If the Vikings release Cook, they’d suffer an $8.2 million dead cap charge in 2023 while realizing savings of $5.9 million. However, if the team designated Cook as a post-June-1 cap casualty, releasing Cook would leave just $5.1M in dead salary while saving $9M in 2023.

There’s a noticeable difference in cap savings if the Vikings can trade Cook instead of releasing him.

Minnesota Vikings’ cap savings if Cook is cut: Either $5.9M (or $9M (Post-June-1)
Vikings’ cap savings if Cook is traded: $7.8M

Cook has battled shoulder injuries in three of the past four seasons. Yet, there’s a belief the 27-year-old may be in for a bounce-back season, as he finally had surgery to address his ailing shoulder.

Even then, it’s not like Cook has been bad or has seen his production tail off. He’s gained over 1,300 yards from scrimmage each of the past four years. That’s even with Justin Jefferson becoming the focal point of a pass-first offense as of late.

Dalvin Cook stats last season: 264 carries, 1,173 rushing yards, 8 TD, 4.4 YPC

Still, the Vikings have multiple capable running backs, including Alexander Mattison, Kene Nwangwu, and Ty Chandler. Cook’s $14.1 million cap hit in 2023 may be too rich for Minnesota.

While the Vikings would clearly prefer to get some trade compensation in exchange for moving on from Cook, especially considering they have just five draft picks in 2023, the reality may be that teams realize GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah is looking to cut costs. In turn, trading Cook may be much easier said than done.

If Cook is officially on the trade or chopping block, the Miami Dolphins remain the team to watch for the Florida native. Should the Vikings decide to move on from Cook this offseason, Mattison immediately becomes the top option to take over, yet the Vikings could also be intrigued by a talented incoming rookie running back draft class too.