The Minnesota Vikings do not want to pay Dalvin Cook $10.4 million, and they can release him at any moment while clearing $9 million in cap space. So, why is he still on the team? After months of speculation, will Minnesota finally part ways with their longtime running back, and when will they do it?
When Will the Minnesota Vikings Release Dalvin Cook?
Dalvin Cook Could Force A Release
It goes without saying that the Minnesota Vikings would rather trade Dalvin Cook than release him. Even if it’s just for a late-round pick, something is better than nothing, and the Vikings will probably try to do everything they can to maximize Cook’s value. After all, while the running back market isn’t too hot right now, another team could get desperate if their starter suffers an injury.
Now that it’s officially after June 1st, the Minnesota Vikings shouldn’t be in any rush to release Dalvin Cook. According to Pro Football Talk, $2 million of Cook’s contract is fully guaranteed, and the remaining $8.4 million becomes guaranteed in Week 1. On paper, the Vikings have a few months before they have to do anything, but Cook could easily force the team’s hand.
Cook underwent shoulder surgery to fix a nagging issue and has yet to practice with the team in 2023. If he returns to practice and suffers an on-field injury, the entirety of his $10.4 million becomes fully guaranteed. It’s safe to assume that Minnesota won’t want to risk that, so Dalvin Cook could earn his release just by showing up for work.
Potential Interested Teams
The Minnesota Vikings will release Dalvin Cook, but it shouldn’t be hard for him to find another NFL home. Right now, the clear frontrunners for his services are the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins boast an elite wide receiver duo and a defense loaded with talent, but they don’t have a solution at running back. Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert are both better in small doses, and Devon Achane does not project as a workhorse back. Dalvin Cook would easily be the best running back on this roster and could be a crucial piece for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Speaking of title contenders, the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills both have massive needs at running back. Isiah Pacheco played well for Kansas City last year, but there is no denying that Dalvin Cook is the superior talent. Likewise, Buffalo can probably get by with Damien Harris and James Cook, but adding the four-time Pro Bowler would make an elite offense all the more dangerous.
Dark-horse candidates Dalvin Cook’s services include the New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, and Arizona Cardinals. The Saints need to prepare for an Alvin Kamara suspension, and Cook is considerably better than an aging Jamaal Williams and an untested Kendre Miller. J.K. Dobbins is reportedly facing contract issues and could be traded, so Cook would be a natural replacement there.
The Arizona Cardinals don’t make too much sense, as they clearly aren’t contending, but one report indicates that the team is doing their research on Dalvin Cook. While this probably won’t amount to anything, stranger things have happened.
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