MINNEAPOLIS – In a move many were expecting, the Minnesota Vikings are cutting ties with star running back Dalvin Cook. This move primarily had to do with money, as Cook was due $10.4 million in base salary this season, $11.9 million in 2024 and $12.9 million in 2025, per Spotrac. The Vikings save $9 million in cap space with this transaction.
The Vikings were unable to find a trade partner for the 27-year-old, likely due to his contract. According to ESPN, the Vikings are expected one last time to try to trade Cook before the close of business today. If they can’t find a taker, they would process his official release Friday.
Cook has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last four seasons, and has rushed for at least 1,135 yards in each of those four campaigns. He’s the only NFL player to rush for 1,110-plus yards in each of the last four years.
In 2022, Cook played a full season for the first time in his career and rushed for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Since 2019, Cook has the third-most rushing yards (5,024), second-most rushing touchdowns (43) and second-most rushing first downs (258).
The Vikings are now poised to move forward with Alexander Mattison, Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu and DeWayne McBride at running back. Earlier this offseason, Minnesota gave Mattison a new two-year contract worth $7 million that can reach $8 million with $6.35 million in guarantees.
Cook leaves the Vikings as the franchise’s third-leading rusher with 5,993 yards, trailing only Robert Smith and Adrian Peterson. His 47 rushing touchdowns rank fourth in Vikings history. Cook will undoubtedly have several suitors now that he’s on the open market.
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