{"id":140331,"date":"2023-04-16T14:00:41","date_gmt":"2023-04-16T18:00:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/?p=140331"},"modified":"2023-04-16T07:34:39","modified_gmt":"2023-04-16T11:34:39","slug":"dalvin-cook-release-teams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2023\/04\/16\/dalvin-cook-release-teams\/","title":{"rendered":"Four-Time Pro Bowl Running Back Could Be Released In Coming Days"},"content":{"rendered":"

Four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook is still a member of the Minnesota Vikings, but that probably won’t be the case at the start of the 2023 NFL season. Cook, a former second-round pick, is due a massive salary, and seeing as the team re-signed Alexander Mattison<\/a> to decent money, there are plenty of reasons to believe that Dalvin Cook could be released by the time the 2023 NFL Draft is over and done with.<\/p>\n

Dalvin Cook Could Be Released By Minnesota Vikings<\/h2>\n

End of the Road<\/h3>\n

There is a reason the NFL unofficially stands for “Not For Long”. Despite being one of the best running backs in football since entering the league, there is a very strong chance that 27-year-old Dalvin Cook has played his last snap in Minnesota. For one, the running back carries a staggering $14.1 million cap hit<\/a>, which is a lot for a running back. The Vikings can clear $5.89 million in spending money by cutting Cook, or $7.89 million if they find a trade partner. Considering that Kirk Cousins and Justin Jefferson are both up for contract extensions in the coming years, the Vikings need to free up every spare penny they can.<\/p>\n

Additionally, recent comments by General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah heavily imply that Cook’s tenure with the Vikings is all-but over. The two sides reportedly are trying to come to terms on a negotiated contract, but talks do not sound too promising. When asked if he would have signed Alexander Mattison if thought Cook would stay on the roster, Adofo-Mensah said “You know, I think that’s – I think in theory they could exist, of course. Different style of backs. Again, we talk about the systems we’re trying to play. Together, they’re different style of backs. They could fit complementary together, for sure.”<\/p>\n

That’s not exactly a ringing endorsement of the two-back system. Adofo-Mensah stumbled out of the gate, and then spent the remainder of the his response talking about a theoretical circumstance. It’s clear that he doesn’t want both running backs on the roster, and since Mattison already signed his extension, that means that Dalvin Cook will likely be released.<\/p>\n

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Most Technique Displayed per Yard of the Week by RB:<\/p>\n

Alexander Mattison #Vikings<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/K6R7QsUqVm<\/a><\/p>\n

— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) November 15, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n