Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has been floated in NFL trade rumors throughout the offseason. Coming off his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl selection in Minnesota, it appears the NFL star’s future with the team is far from a guarantee.
Cook, entering his age-28 season, was viewed as a potential cap casualty early this offseason. Minnesota needed to create significant salary cap space and with the organization seemingly not committed long-term to the star running back, there was a possibility for his release.
- Dalvin Cook stats (career): 5,993 rushing yards, 47 rushing touchdowns, 4.7 yards per carry
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However, Cook underwent shoulder surgery earlier this year which reduced the incentive for the Vikings to release him. At that point, with the team no longer able to avoid paying him an additional $2 million guaranteed, he was expected to remain with Minnesota in 2023.
However, the Vikings reportedly kept entertaining the notion of trading Cook. Reports indicated Minnesota talked to the Miami Dolphins and there was a belief around the league that the Pro Bowl running back could be traded. Now, there may be even greater reason to question his future in Minnesota.
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Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Vikings’ general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah was very non-commital when asked about Cook being on the roster next season
“Conversations are always ongoing with him. We’re trying to be solutions-oriented and always try to put the roster together within our constraints.”
Minnesota Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah on whether or not Dalvin Cook will be on the roster in Week 1
Notably, Adofo-Mensah offered a similar non-commitment to edge rusher Za’Darius Smith. When asked the same question by reporters about the disgruntled pass rusher, Adofo-Mensah praised Smith’s contributions last season but said the team will “keep the conversation ongoing” regarding his immediate future with the team.
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After trade rumors involving Cook had slowed down, it now appears that his time in Minnesota could still be nearing its end. The non-commital to a focal point of the offense suggests moving on from Cook, either via trade or release, remains a distinct possibility.
If the Vikings are seriously entertaining a change at running back, there will likely be a telling sign regarding their plans during the 2023 NFL Draft. In a deep running back class, drafting a running back in the first four rounds would likely be a telling signal of Cook’s fate in Minnesota.
