The long-expected release of Dalvin Cook finally came on Thursday when the Minnesota Vikings let the veteran running back go, NFL Media reported.
Cook was scheduled to earn a base salary of $10.4 million for the upcoming season. His cap hit would’ve been $14.1 million with a dead cap value of $8.2 million. He signed a five-year, $63 million contract in the fall of 2020. The deal included a $15.5 million signing bonus and a little more than $28 million guaranteed.
Cook’s 2023 cap hit would’ve been the third-largest among running backs behind Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb. Backup Vikings RB Alexander Mattison’s cap number is about $2.4 million, the 29th among running backs.
By releasing Cook, the Vikings owe him $2 million for this season but will save $9 million on the cap with a dead cap hit of $5.1 million.
Reports have surfaced the Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets are interested in Cook. The Denver Broncos are also reportedly interested in signing Cook.
>> READ: Five Scheme Fits for Dalvin Cook
The Dolphins are often pegged as a landing spot due to coach Mike McDaniel’s heavy outside-zone running scheme, which Cook has succeeded in before. The Cowboys need a replacement for Ezekiel Elliott, and the Jets are gearing up for a Super Bowl run with Aaron Rodgers.
Denver is an interesting fit given Javonte Williams is expected to return from injury this season, and the team signed Samaje Perine in free agency.
In his six seasons with the Vikings, Cook rushed for 5,993 yards on 1,282 carries (4.7 yards per carry), scoring 47 touchdowns. He also had 221 receptions for 1,794 yards. Cook was selected to the Pro Bowl four times with the Vikings.
Although he’s been productive, Cook has struggled with injuries during his career, including consistent shoulder and hamstring injuries. The 27-year-old had surgery in mid-February to fix his lingering shoulder issues.
It became apparent the Vikings were ready to move on from Cook when they re-signed Mattison to a two-year, $7 million contract. Mattison has backed up Cook for the past four seasons. Another sign came when the Vikings’ profile on Twitter left Cook off its graphic featuring the team’s top players.
>> READ: What’s Next for Cook After Vikings Release?
