It seems that the Minnesota Vikings are sending a clear message to their fans about where they stand on Dalvin Cook’s future. With a cap hit of around $14 million, Cook’s future remains uncertain. However, the Vikings have made their biggest move yet by removing him from their social media banner and replacing him with fellow running back Alexander Mattison, who has joined Justin Jefferson, Kirk Cousins, and T.J. Hockenson on it.
Cook was previously linked to the Miami Dolphins but was not drafted, as the team has a crowded running back rotation. Despite Cook’s talent, he is coming off shoulder surgery at a position that is typically replaceable when the 2023 season begins. Trade rumors surrounding Cook have intensified after NFL insider Adam Schefter added fuel to the fire. It appears that his contract’s cost may deter other teams from trading for him, as it is possible that he may be released. The Vikings reportedly asked Cook to adjust his salary, but he refused. Although the team would like to keep him, they seem ready to part ways with Cook to free up cap space. Cook has been named to four Pro Bowls and has rushed for over 1,100 yards for each of the last four seasons.
.@Vikings Twitter banner casually replacing Dalvin Cook with Alexander Mattison pic.twitter.com/gX0OOXdNGZ
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) May 16, 2023
Despite his offseason surgery, he played in all 17 games in 2022 and had 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground and 39 catches for 295 yards and two scores as a pass-catcher.
