Former Vikings RB Dalvin Cook “Taking Calls” to Find His Next Team

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Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

For about five years, Dalvin Cook was the featured player in the Minnesota Vikings’ backfield.

However, following the conclusion of the 2022 season, Cook was released by the team as a cap casualty after the team attempted to rebuild following their playoff appearance, and since then, he has been unable to find a consistent role elsewhere in the NFL.

As the 2024 regular season sits right around 15 weeks away, Cook remains unsigned and is still waiting for a team to take a chance on him for the fall.

Former Vikings RB Dalvin Cook Talks Free Agency

Dalvin Cook
Sep 11, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Dalvin Cook (33) carries the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Cook chatted with Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 over the weekend to discuss his free agency process. “Just really focusing on myself,” Cook said. “Getting ready for training camp, getting ready for what’s coming up next. For me, like you said, patience is the key. Right now the only thing I’m really focusing on is getting myself in tip-top shape to really tote the rock come the fall.”

After being selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Cook spent much of his first two seasons on the sideline because of injuries. He played just 15 total games between the 2017 and 2018 seasons.

Then, the running back came roaring back in 2019 to rejuvenate his NFL career just in time for the Vikings to get back into the playoffs. Cook put together 250 carries for 1135 yards (4.5 yards per carry) and 13 TDs during the regular season and was named to his first Pro Bowl.

Dalvin Cook and DeAndre Hopkins
Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) looks on during warmups before a wild card game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Cook continued to be a very productive member of the Vikings offense for the next three seasons, totaling 825 carries for 3889 yards, and 30 touchdowns while catching 117 passes for 880 yards and three touchdowns as a receiver.

2022 proved to be the least efficient season of Cook’s career though as he totaled 264 carries for just 1173 yards. As a result, the Vikings decided to part ways with him over the summer of 2023, and he signed with the New York Jets.

Unfortunately, Cook never found much of a role for himself with his new team, and he was released prior to Week 17 after totaling just 67 carries for 214 yards. He caught on with the Baltimore Ravens for the playoffs, and he totaled eight carries for 23 yards during his only playoff game.

Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) during warmups before a wild card game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Cook is about to enter his age-29 season in the NFL, so he certainly is on the older end of the spectrum for NFL running backs. However, particularly after spending much of the 2023 season on the sideline rather than on the field, the veteran very well could have at least a bit left in the tank to contribute to another team.

For now, though, Cook remains a free agent in search of his next team.


Editor’s Note: Statistics for this article were found via Pro Football Reference.

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.