Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs on the field during warmups before a wild card game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Why insider believes Vikings trading RB Dalvin Cook is a ‘done deal’

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 1/26/23

Dalvin Cook is one of the top running backs in the NFL, but one Minnesota Vikings insider believes not only is the 27-year-old on the trade block but it would only take a mid-round draft pick to acquire the former second-round pick.

On a recent episode of the SNOR North podcast, KSTP’s Darren Wolfson suggested that the Vikings are so strapped for cash that they would be willing to sell low on Cook for the cap relief.

“I would be shocked if the Vikings could get a third for Dalvin Cook,” Wolfson said. “If they can get a third for Dalvin Cook, done deal. They will make that move. They will take the dead money cap hit but also get some cap relief.”

The #Vikings are going to have some tough roster decisions to make this offseason. They are $20M OVER the cap and some aging vets could move on.

Will be interesting to see what they do with Adam Theilen, Harrison Smith, Za’Darius Smith, Eric Kendricks, and Dalvin Cook.
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) January 16, 2023

Minnesota is projected to be $24.5 million over the cap in 2023, and while trading Cook would cost the Vikings $6.2 million in dead cap money, it would also free up nearly $8 million, according to Over the Cap.

In addition to the cap savings, Cook could fetch the Vikings some much-needed draft capital; they have just four picks in the 2023 Draft with selections in the first, third, fourth and fifth rounds.

Minnesota sent its second-round pick to the Detroit Lions mind-season in exchange for tight end T.J. Hockenson and Detroit’s fourth-round pick. The team’s original fourth-rounder was traded during the 2022 Draft to trade up and pick cornerback Akayleb Evans.

The Vikings also sent their sixth-round pick to Houston for defensive lineman Ross Blacklock, and their seventh-round pick went to the Denver Broncos for defensive end Stephen Weatherly.

Cook has been one of the more consistent running backs over the last four seasons, rushing for more than 1,000 yards with six or more touchdowns every year since 2019. He had 13 and 16 touchdowns in 2019 and 2020, respectively, and he hasn’t rushed for less than 1,100 yards since 2018.

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