2024 FTN NFL Power Rankings Through Week 15: Who Takes Over the Top Spot?
Daniel Kelley
The Minnesota Vikings have informed running back Dalvin Cook that they plan to release him, per multiple sources.
The Vikings are expected to explore one last attempt to trade Cook Thursday, and if unsuccessful, they plan to release him Friday. Either way, Cook’s extremely successful six-year tenure in Minnesota will be ending. The Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos are two of many teams expected to have an interest in signing Cook once he is released, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Over the past three seasons, Cook has the second-most rushing yards (3,889), trailing only Derrick Henry. Cook also has four straight seasons of 1,100 or more rushing yards and has 43 rushing touchdowns during that time. Minnesota would have been responsible for $14.1 million in cap space for 2023 if they kept Cook, who was due to earn $11 million this season in Minnesota. The Vikings would still owe Cook $2 million if he is released but would save over $9 million in cap space by having waited until after June 1.
There were several signs over the past few weeks that strongly hinted at Cook’s release. In March, backup running back Alexander Mattison received a two-year contract extension with $6.4 million guaranteed. Just three weeks ago, it was Mattison (not Cook), featured on the Vikings social media sites for the upcoming 2023 season.
Mattison is expected to ascend to the team’s primary running back role, with Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu and rookie DeWayne McBride competing for the backup role. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was effusive in his praise of Mattison’s three-down ability as recently as late May.
Cook has battled nagging injuries throughout his six-year NFL career but has always found a way to elite production. He has played at least 13 games in each of the past four seasons, including all 17 games last year despite separating his shoulder in Week 3. He underwent shoulder surgery in February, hoping to avoid future separations. While the Vikings remained optimistic for his availability for the upcoming season, there are lingering concerns about his long-term durability.
Cook was absent from the voluntary portion of Minnesota’s offseason program but will be an attractive backfield addition for a team looking to make a strong Super Bowl run this season.
