NFL rumors: Vikings may have just spelled the end of Dalvin Cook

March 17, 2023 ndowd

The Minnesota Vikings’ latest move may have hinted that they are seriously considering moving on from running back Dalvin Cook.

The Minnesota Vikings have made some big changes to their roster, parting ways with the likes of wide receiver Adam Thielen, linebacker Eric Kendricks, and cornerback Cameron Danztler Jr. They have also brought in some big names, such as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Byron Murphy and New Orleans Saints linebacker Marcus Davenport. Change is coming in Minnesota, and the future of running back Dalvin Cook has been up in the air, as he counts for $14.1 million against the cap this season.

Could this latest move hint at Cook’s impending exit?

According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Vikings are signing Alexander Mattison to a two-year, $7 million contract that can go up to $8 million.

Another top running back domino to fall: Alexander Mattison agreed to a two-year contract to remain with the #Vikings, per source. The deal is worth $7 million that can get to $8M with $6.35M in guarantees. pic.twitter.com/hqIIKHWtig

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 16, 2023

With Mattison remaining in Minnesota, does this spell the end of Cook’s time in Minnesota?

Vikings re-sign Alexander Mattison, putting Dalvin Cook’s future in further doubt

As mentioned earlier, Cook is set to account for a big portion of their cap space, and moving on from him would help them alleviate some of the financial pressure. But, Cook underwent shoulder surgery this offseason, and the Vikings would be on the hook for $2 million due to an injury guarantee. As ESPN’s Kevin Seifert points out, the Vikings would owe Cook $2 million if they release him and he can’t pass a physical.

There was a report from SKOR North’s Darren Wolfson that the Vikings have received a trade offer for Cook.

This past season, Cook ran for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns on 264 carries. His 4.4 yards per carry is the lowest average of his six years in Minnesota.

As for Mattison, he ran for 283 yards and five touchdowns on 74 carries in 17 games.

It will be interesting to see what the Vikings do in regard to their running back room. They have already committed to two years with Mattison. What is to come of Cook? We should get an answer at some point before the start of the 2023 regular season.

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