Dalvin Cook has earned four Pro Bowl selections and is coming off four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. However, NFL rumors continue to suggest one of the league’s best running backs might not be with the team in 2023.
Minnesota faced significant salary-cap issues this offseason, forcing the organization to cut Adam Thielen and Eric Kendricks. While the Vikings have found their replacements and have a strong 2023 NFL Draft class, the team only has $1.12 million in cap space with a majority of its rookie class unsigned heading into the summer.
- Dalvin Cook stats (career): 5,993 rushing yards, 47 rushing touchdowns, 4.7 yards per carry
The Vikings have already shown signs of a willingness to move on from Cook. He was shopped to multiple teams before the NFL Draft, with the Miami Dolphins among those interested. However, Miami added Devon Achane and with the Cincinnati Bengals now committed to Joe Mixon and the Los Angeles Chargers likely keeping Austin Ekeler, there are fewer suitors for Cook.
Minnesota’s actions this offseason also added credibility to the uncertainty surrounding Cook. The Vikings re-signed Alexander Mattison, who is viewed as a viable starter, and added DeWayne McBride with the 22nd overall pick. With training camp just weeks away, there is now additional reporting that suggests Cook’s days with the Vikings are numbered.
Related: NFL trade rumors
ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently provided an update on the situation in Minnesota, suggesting there remains a very legitimate chance Cook isn’t on the roster by Week 1.
“I think there is some real question as to whether or not he will be in Minnesota this upcoming season….I think it’s fair to say his future is in question.”
Adam Schefter on Dalvin Cook’s future with Minnesota Vikings
According to Next Gen States, 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.
Related: Miami Dolphins likely out on Dalvin Cook
In addition, per OvertheCap.com, Minnesota would gain $7.9 million in cap savings if he is designated a pre-June 1 release. If the Vikings declare him a post-June 1 cap casualty, it frees up $11 million in cap space.
If Minnesota can’t find a trade partner, it could decide to release Cook. Considering NFL teams recognize this as a possibility, there’s very little incentive for them to trade a future draft pick for him and absorb his contract. Ultimately, there should be a definitive answer regarding Cook’s future in the next three months.
Related: Minnesota Vikings GM offers suspicious comment regarding Dalvin Cook’s future