Ex-Vikings RB, A Magician in Shoulder Pads, Gets Cut Ahead of Week 18
At his best, Dalvin Cook was a magician on the field. The gliding running back was supremely elusive, regularly making tacklers whiff before kicking on the accelerator to explode past other defenders.
Switching from the Rick Spielman era to the Kwesi Adofo-Mensah era, though, meant that change was always going to happen. Cook survived the initial talent exodus, but the situation came to a head during the most recent offseason. The running back was declining in effectiveness as his cap hit rose to new heights. Predictably, the GM who espouses the merits of value decided to move on.
Notably, Cook’s cut didn’t come without some financial pain. The Vikings have had to absorb a $5,101,272 dead cap charge on the 2023 budget and are heading toward a $3,101,273 dead cap charge in 2024.
As a free agent, Dalvin Cook decided to hop onto the New York Jets’ roster. The thinking appeared to be that partnering with Aaron Rodgers would make the Jets an even more formidable crew, propelling them toward a playoff season within a loaded AFC. Well, that plan was all for nought as Rodgers succumbed to a season-ending Achilles tear and Cook has been an afterthought in New York’s lackluster offense.
Ex-Vikings RB and Football Magician Gets Cut
Tom Pelissero, affectionately known as Ol’ Faithful in this part of the internet, offers the news.
Take a look at the word: “Four-time Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook and the #Jets have mutually agreed to part ways, allowing Cook the opportunity to play for a playoff team, per his agency @LAASportsEnt. The dynamic playmaker has fresh legs after minimal usage in NY and can now compete for a Super Bowl.”
The final line — Cook being a “dynamic playmaker” who “has fresh legs” — reads like it was written by an agent. Maybe the added thought about Cook’s freshness and desire to help a team contend for the Super Bowl will help to pique some interest around the league.
Most will instinctively think of the Miami Dolphins since Mike McDaniel is leading his high-powered offense into the playoffs and Cook has connections aplenty to football in Florida. The running back was born in Miami, went to high school at Miami Central, and then played at Florida State. So, there’s some history in the state for Mr. Cook.
The NFL arms race, though, isn’t bound by geographical connections.
The Ravens have a dynamic talent at QB and may welcome a runner to help out. Ditto for Kansas City, a team that was uncharacteristically clunky in 2023. Dallas has never been shy about going after a major name and Kyle Shanahan does wonders for his skilled guys in San Francisco. Would either NFC team be interested?
On Vikings Territory, Dustin Baker offers some thoughts to explain Cook’s significance in Minnesota’s history: “Cook departed the Vikings as the franchise’s third-leading rusher in franchise history (5,993 yards) behind Adrian Peterson (11,747) and Robert Smith (6,818). His 47 rushing touchdowns rank fourth behind Peterson (97), Chuck Foreman (52), and Bill Brown (52). And his rushing yards per game (82.1) are second, only trailing Peterson (95.5).”
Before being cut, Cook had picked up 67 carries for 214 scoreless rushing yards. The veteran didn’t do too much better as a pass catcher, snagging 15 catches for 78 scoreless yards.
Dalvin Cook will turn 29 on August 10th.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
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K. Joudry is the Senior Editor for Vikings Territory and PurplePTSD. He has been covering the Vikings full time since the summer of 2021. He can be found on Twitter and as a co-host for Notes from the North, a humble Vikings podcast.