The Minnesota Vikings are planning to release their starting running back, Dalvin Cook, according to reports from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. While the team will attempt to trade Cook, they are prepared to release him if no deal can be reached. The Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos have been closely monitoring Cook’s situation and are expected to show interest in signing him once he becomes a free agent.
Dalvin Cook, who is 27 years old, is likely to attract more teams due to his age and impressive NFL career. In the 2022 season, he recorded 1,173 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 264 carries. Additionally, he contributed 295 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 39 catches across 17 games played. One standout performance was in the Vikings’ Week 8 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, where Cook amassed 141 yards of total offense and scored a four-yard touchdown.
Cook has consistently achieved over 1,135 rushing yards each season for the past four years. As a receiver, he has never had fewer than 34 receptions and 224 yards since 2018. His departure from the Vikings makes him the third notable player to leave the team this offseason, alongside wide receiver Adam Thielen and linebacker Eric Kendricks.
With Cook no longer in Minnesota’s plans, attention now shifts to Alexander Mattison, a 24-year-old running back who has served as Cook’s backup for the past four seasons. Mattison has demonstrated his ability to step up as a starter when needed. In the previous season, he achieved a career-high of five touchdowns and accumulated 283 rushing yards on 74 carries. He also contributed 15 receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown through the air.
