Adam Schefter Says Dalvin Cook’s Future Is ‘In Question’
This offseason, the Minnesota Vikings have gone through a bit of an overhaul involving some of the veteran on their roster. They cut both Eric Kendricks and Adam Thielen while seeing multiple other veterans sign elsewhere in free agency.
We may not be done with the veteran exodus this summer, either. There are still rumors swirling around the futures of both Dalvin Cook and Za’Darius Smith. Recently, Adam Schefter of ESPN spoke on the status of Cook saying, “I think there is some real question as to whether or not he will be in Minnesota next season” and “I think it’s fair to say his future is in question”.
So, why could the Vikings look to unload the running back with the third-most rushing yards in franchise history? Well, the answer likely boils down to one big factor: his contract.
Currently, Cook is set to carry a $14.1 million cap hit in 2023, which is the third-highest hit among all running backs now that Ezekiel Elliott is a free agent. According to reports from earlier in the offseason, Cook is also unwilling to take a Harrison Smith-esque pay cut to remain in Minnesota.
This is a massive amount of money dedicated to a running back, especially considering Cook is coming off a 2022 season where, despite surpassing 1000 yards for the fourth straight season, he averaged just 4.4 yards per carry, a career-low for the soon-to-be 28-year-old back.
As a result, the Vikings have brought back Alexander Mattison on a two-year contract worth a total of $7 million. They also picked DeWayne McBride in the seventh round of this spring’s draft, who was one of the most productive RBs in college football during his time at UAB.
If the Vikings were to move on from Cook in 2023, it will likely come in a post-June 1st move. This would allow them to maximize their salary cap savings.
If Minnesota cut Cook prior to June 1st, they would a little bit under $5.9 million whereas a post-June 1st cut would save them exactly $9 million. Likewise, a pre-June 1st trade saves the Vikings a smidge under $7.9 million while a post-June 1st trade would save them exactly $11 million.
As of now, no trade is imminent, but if a move involving Cook were to happen in the coming weeks, we at PurplePTSD will have you covered with all the headlines.
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.