One of the NFL’s top running backs could be released ahead of the draft in two weeks, according to an NFL insider.
Speaking on Saturday’s edition of SportsCenter (h/t Joseph Zucker of Bleacher Report), ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Minnesota Vikings are considering “all options” with running back Dalvin Cook. This includes the possibility of cutting the four-time Pro Bowler:
“I’m told all options are on the table here and that he could be released closer to the draft if things don’t work out. They had talked to at least one team about a trade in the past closer to free agency, so he is certainly a name to watch.”
Per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Minnesota general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah wouldn’t exactly confirm if Cook will be on the Vikings next year. The team re-signed No. 2 running back Alexander Mattison to a two-year deal worth $7 million.
Cook has been the subject of trade rumors since the Vikings’ NFC Divisional Round Loss to the New York Giants. The 27-year-old signed a five-year extension worth $63 million back in 2018, and he’s under contract through 2025.
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Injuries limited Cook to 15 total games over his first two seasons, but he has consistently been one of the NFL’s top running backs since 2019. Cook has exceeded 1,100 yards rushing in each of the last four years.
Last season, Cook rushed for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns to go along with 39 receptions for 295 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
But it’s common for running backs to regress by their 30th birthday, and Cook will be 28 years of age in August. If the Vikings ultimately decide to release Cook, he should have no problem garnering plenty of interest in free agency.
