The Minnesota Vikings made a major move to free up cap space this week, releasing star running back Dalvin Cook. Cook, who has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the past four seasons, was due to make a base salary of $10.4 million in 2023.
The move to release Cook was deemed necessary due to financial constraints, with the team needing to free up cap space to sign other key players. The Vikings will save $9 million in cap space this season by releasing Cook, whose contract still had three years remaining.
Cook’s departure leaves a major void in the Vikings’ backfield, but the team has a solid option in Alexander Mattison. Mattison has served as Cook’s backup for four years and performed well in games where Cook was absent. He was signed to a 2-year, $7 million contract in March and is expected to step into the starting role.
The move to release Cook has generated a lot of buzz, with many teams expected to be interested in signing him as a free agent. The Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins have been linked with Cook, with the latter reportedly close to acquiring him in a trade earlier in the offseason.
Cook has been a vital part of the Vikings’ offense since joining the team in 2017, rushing for 5,993 yards and scoring 52 total touchdowns. He has also been a factor in the passing game with 221 receptions over the past four seasons.
The decision to release Cook was a difficult one, as he has been one of the team’s best players in recent years. However, with the team needing to free up cap space to sign other key players, it was a necessary move.
The Vikings have lost several veterans this offseason, including Eric Kendricks, Adam Thielen, Za’Darius Smith, Dalvin Tomlinson, Patrick Peterson, Chandon Sullivan, and Irv Smith Jr. The team will need to fill these voids if they hope to be competitive in the upcoming season.
Overall, the move to release Cook was a tough decision, but it was one that needed to be made. The Vikings will now turn their attention to the upcoming season and filling the void left by Cook in the backfield.
