The Minnesota Vikings are considering parting ways with their star running back, Dalvin Cook, as rumor on the market suggests.
ESPN’s NFL insider, Jeremy Fowler, has released the news ahead of everyone else. “I’m told all options are on the table and he could be released if things don’t work out,” Fowler tweeted.
Update: #Vikings could cut Pro-Bowl RB Dalvin Cook by Draft time, per @JFowlerESPN
"I'm told all options are on the table and he could be released if things don't work out."
The Vikings also already talked to at least one team about a trade in the past. pic.twitter.com/cMuUZQ6mHh
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 15, 2023
Dalvin Johnson joined the franchise after being picked 41st overall in the 2017 NFL draft and signing a rookie contract. In 2020, he signed an extension deal worth $63 million for five years after his brilliant performance for the team.
However, there are still a couple of years left in the contract, and this sudden development raised some questions among the NFL community.
Why are the Vikings wanting to trade Dalvin Cook?
The first indication came from Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, who expressed his view of the 27-year-old RB, saying, “Again, conversations are always ongoing with him. We’re trying to be solutions-oriented and always trying to put the roster together within our constraints and we’ll continue those conversations.”
The statement pointed out there could be trouble in paradise and the potential solution would be to open the door. Seemingly the only way is to trade him before the draft, and they already have one possible suitor in mind for the four-time pro bowler.
But there was no solid reason to be found for the decision; it was assumed that the Viking’s financial situation might have an influence on the matter. They could save $5.89 million if they release Cook before June; in the case of a trade, they can save $7.89 million. If they go beyond June, the savings will rise to $11 million.
Dalvin Cook scored 47 rushing touchdowns and caused 19 fumbles with 5,993 yards of rushing in 221 receptions over his six-year professional career. Furthermore, he has been serving as an executive for the professional indoor football team FCF Zappers since 2022.
