Get ready for some thrilling gridiron news, folks! In a stunning development, the Minnesota Vikings have officially informed star running back Dalvin Cook that they’re cutting him loose. Sources have confirmed this juicy tidbit to the renowned ESPN insider, Adam Schefter.
Hold onto your helmets because the Vikings are not done making plays just yet. They’re expected to make one final attempt to trade Cook on Thursday. However, if they can’t strike a deal, they’ll go all-in and release him on Friday, marking the end of his incredible six-year journey with the team.
But wait, there’s more! Brace yourselves, Miami Dolphins fans, as reports suggest your team has its eyes set on Cook once he hits the open market. Schefter’s sources reveal that the Dolphins are poised to make a move for this explosive player as soon as he becomes available.
Let’s talk numbers, folks. Cook, who’ll turn 28 in August, was slated to eat up a whopping $14.1 million in cap space for 2023 if he remained with the Vikings. However, with over 1,500 touches in his career and entering the later stages, those figures are making some noise. The Vikings would owe Cook $2 million upon his release. By doing so after June 1, they’ll save a significant $9 million in cap space while taking on $5.1 million in dead money.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is keeping things tight-lipped regarding Cook’s availability. When asked, he gracefully acknowledged his current stable of running backs, including seasoned pros Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., Myles Gaskin, and rookie sensation Devon Achane. McDaniel expressed satisfaction with their fierce competition and camaraderie during training camp.
It’s been a long time coming, and the writing was on the wall when the Vikings re-signed Cook’s reliable backup, Alexander Mattison, with a substantial contract. The deal included a cool $6.35 million in guaranteed money for the seasons ahead. When pressed about Cook’s future with the team, General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah preferred to keep things under wraps.
With Mattison set to take the lead in the Vikings’ backfield, backed by Kene Nwangwu, Ty Chandler, and potentially rookie DeWayne McBride, the team is gearing up for an exciting new chapter. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell recently praised Mattison’s all-around abilities and his command of the game.
Despite enduring various injuries earlier in his career, Cook managed to deliver four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons from 2019 to 2022. He also showcased his versatility as a receiver, averaging an impressive 42 receptions per season, excluding his rookie year.
Last season, Cook fought through adversity, playing in every game for the first time in his career, even after separating his shoulder in Week 3. However, under O’Connell’s new scheme, his touches and yardage per game dipped compared to his previous seasons as a full-time player.
Nevertheless, Cook pulled off some breathtaking plays in 2022, including two of his longest career runs. In Week 6 against the Miami Dolphins, he dashed for a jaw-dropping 53-yard touchdown, and in Week 10 against the Buffalo Bills, he exploded for an incredible 81-yard score, reaching a top speed of 21.68 mph, ranking as the seventh fastest ball carrier in the league that year.
Despite these flashes of brilliance, Cook’s efficiency metrics took a slight hit. He led the league with 62 carries that either lost yardage or failed to gain any. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, only 34.5% of his carries exceeded the expected yardage, making him one of the least efficient backs.