For months, we’ve heard the Vikings desire to move RB Dalvin Cook and after the team’s latest social media activity, it seems like they are providing a pretty clear hint about Cook’s future in Minnesota.
Fantasy Life’s Ian Hartitz noticed that the Vikings replaced Cook with backup running back Alexander Mattison on their Twitter banner. Mattison is now pictured alongside Justin Jefferson, Kirk Cousins, and T.J. Hockenson.
For the first time in his five-year career, Cook went the entire season without missing a game in 2022. He registered 1,468 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Cook has also exceeded 1,000 rushing yards and made the Pro Bowl in four straight seasons. However, NFL teams are increasingly hesitant to spend big on running backs.
According to Over The Cap, the Vikings can save approximately $5.9 million by cutting Cook on or before June 1. They can spread out his dead cap number and save $9 million if releasing him later.
If jettisoning Cook, the Vikings would presumably turn the position over to Mattison, who averaged 3.8 yards per carry last season. They drafted DeWayne McBride in the seventh round and also roster 2022 fifth-round selection Ty Chandler.
