Report: Feeling is Vikings will eventually trade or release RB Dalvin Cook

Dalvin Cook could be traded or released by the Minnesota Vikings when it’s all said and done, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. 

Cook, a former Florida State star, played his entire career with the Vikings. But as it usually happens, money is a factor going into the summer.

As far as Cook’s future, he might be more likely to be out of Minnesota than back in 2023.

“Well, they’re willing to hold on a Dalvin Cook and his $14 million cap hit at least for now in the short term,” Fowler said on SportsCenter. “That’s different from Hopkins where Arizona said ‘we got to get this money off the books right now and just move on.’ So the feeling among some around the league is that Minnesota will eventually trade or release Dalvin Cook but nothing has been decided yet.

“And I was told they want to do right by the player regardless whether he stays or goes because he’s a valued, iconic player there for years. They want to make sure if he does go somewhere, it’s a good place where he would be happy.”

Fowler then shared where that place could be. Somewhere warmer no doubt.

“He’s from Miami, trains down there,” Fowler said. “Maybe he’d be linked to the Dolphins but from what I’m told he loves Minnesota, would also be welcome to a fresh start if it comes to that.”

Cook is a big part of a Vikings offense that features quarterback Kirk Cousins and wide receiver Justin Jefferson. That big three led Minnesota to a 13-4 record and an NFC North title under first-year head coach Kevin O’Connell.

However, Cook and the Vikings lost in the first round to the New York Giants are were eliminated early.

Last season, Cook topped 1,000 yards again with 1,173 yards off of 264 carries and scored eight touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per carry. In his career, Cook has 1,282 carries, 5,993 yards, 47 touchdowns and 4.7 yards per carry.

As a member of the Class of 2014, Cook was a five-star recruit out of Miami (Fla.) Central High, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 2 overall prospect in the state, the No. 3 running back in the class and the No. 16 overall prospect in the class.