After an offseason of rumours, it’s being reported that the Minnesota Vikings will be releasing running back Dalvin Cook on Friday if a trade can not be completed in the next 24 hours.
The Denver Broncos and the Miami Dolphins have allegedly been the most active in trade discussions with the Vikings, and expect to pursue Cook on the free agent market. The Broncos have star back Javonte Williams on the roster, but he’s still working his way back from an ACL, LCL and PCL tear, so Cook will provide an elite level insurance policy so the Broncos do not have to rush their running back of the future back before he’s ready. Denver raised eyebrows by releasing 3 running backs from training camp over the past 6 days, so while the rumours were that they were hesitating on trading for Cook after spending so many assets acquiring quarterback Russel Wilson and head coach Sean Payton, they have a need at the position and will likely circle back to him in free agency.
Miami has 31 year old Raheem Mostert, 26 year old Jeff Wilson Jr and 21 year old rookie Devon Achane currently on the depth chart, amongst others. Achane looks like a fun weapon to use in the Dolphins fast paced offense, but doesn’t project to be a 3 down back. Mostert and Wilson, to this point of their careers, have yet to prove either of them are able to handle the full workload themselves, so adding Cook would give the team security at the position as they enter the 2023 season looking to make some noise in the playoffs.
Vikings plan to release RB Dalvin Cook. (via @tompelissero) pic.twitter.com/92TRIP7wkM
— NFL (@NFL) June 8, 2023
Cook, 27, rushed for 1173 yards and 8 touchdowns on 264 carries over 17 games last year. He’s a capable pass catcher as well, adding 38 receptions for an additional 295 yards and 2 more touchdowns. The 4 time pro-bowler was originally selected in the 2nd round (41st overall) by the Vikings in the 2017 draft. The production clearly hasn’t faltered, but this move is simply about money. Cook is due $10.4 Million in base salary this season, $11.9 Million in 2024, and $12.9 Million in 2025. The Vikings save $9 Million in cap space with an outright release.
The Vikings are now poised to move forward with Alexander Mattison, Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu and DeWayne McBride at running back. Earlier this offseason, the Vikings gave Mattison a new two year contract worth $7 Million that can reach up to $8 Million, with $6.35 Million in guarantees. For a team that is right against the salary cap, that difference in salary is invaluable. Mattison will finally get an opportunity to be a lead back after sitting behind Cook for the first 4 years of his career. He had 100 carries for 462 yards and a touchdown last season. When Cook has missed time in the past, the Vikings offense didn’t miss a beat with Mattison as the lead back.
-Devon Gallant
Twitter: @DevGallant
Photo: All-Pro Reels. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.