The Minnesota Vikings are likely to release running back Dalvin Cook this week, having already informed the running back of their plans. But, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, it isn’t a foregone conclusion as they will make one more attempt to trade him.
Schefter is reporting that the RB will be released this Friday if the Vikings are unable to fashion a trade this Thursday. In any case, Cook’s tenure in Minnesota is over.
The Miami Dolphins are reported to have an interest in signing the Pro Bowler once he is released but the Chicago Bears were the betting favorites to land the player as of this week.
The 27-year-old would have earned $11 million with the Vikings next season and would have taken up $14.1 million in cap space. The team will owe him $2 million if he is released and, given that we’re past the June 1 mark, they will save $9 million in cap room while taking on $5.1 million in dead money.
While the figures outlined above are high for an aging running back, Cook has been one of the most productive players over the past four seasons, going to the Pro Bowl each time while also rushing for more than 1,000 yards. He has also been excellent as a receiver, having averaged 42 catches a season since the end of his rookie year.
