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Reports: Vikings set to release Dalvin Cook
Star running back Dalvin Cook is set to be traded or released by the Vikings, as the team moves to get under the salary cap.
EAGAN, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Vikings released Dalvin Cook on Friday, making the much-anticipated roster move official. Cook ends his Vikings career with 5,993 career rushing yards and 47 touchdowns.
"I hold Dalvin in the highest regard and am grateful for his contributions on and off the field," Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement. "Dalvin is a tough, dynamic player and a respected leader by his teammates, which was evident by his multiple seasons as a team captain. As a finalist for the 2022 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, Dalvin’s approach to the game and his commitment to sportsmanship is clearly respected across the league. We appreciate Dalvin’s positivity, energy and leadership and will be pulling for him in the future."
Vikings General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah added, "Dalvin has been an incredible leader for this organization for years and I quickly noticed how respected he is among everyone in our building. I’m fortunate to have been around such an enjoyable, talented and hardworking person like him over the last year. He’s etched his name in Vikings history with his production on the field but also by consistently giving back to the Vikings Foundation. We are thankful for everything Dalvin brought to the Vikings and sincerely wish him all the best in his future."
And Vikings owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf released the following statement: "Over the past six years, Dalvin has meant so much to our organization. His love for playing football in front of our fan base was evident, and that connection branched into the community where he made an impact around the Twin Cities. Dalvin helped us launch the Vikings Table food truck and was a constant advocate for the Minnesota Vikings Foundation. His leadership in the locker room and all-out effort on the field was undeniable and a key reason he was a multi-year team captain. We are extremely grateful for all Dalvin has done for the Vikings and look forward to welcoming him back as a Legend."
The writing was on the wall for Cook’s future in Minnesota after the Vikings brought back Alexander Mattison on a two-year, $7 million deal in free agency. Offseason reports also emerged that the Vikings nearly completed a trade to send Cook to the Dolphins, but it fell apart.
Cook played 17 games for the first time in his career last season, running for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns. He was a second round pick in 2017 and has spent his first six seasons with the Vikings. He's made the Pro Bowl four straight seasons.
Cook was due about $14 million this season. The Vikings will save about $9 million in cap space for the 2023 season by releasing him.
Cook is the latest veteran to depart as the Vikings shed salary heading into the 2023 season. They've cut Eric Kendricks, Adam Thielen and Cam Dantzler, lost Dalvin Tomlinson and Patrick Peterson in free agency, restructured Jordan Hicks and Harrison Smith and traded Za'Darius Smith. The final dominoes left are a new contract for Justin Jefferson, and figuring out Danielle Hunter.