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Dalvin Cook's separation from Minnesota Vikings is 'completely certain,' insider says

DSprofileby: Dustin Schutte06/03/23DLS1066206
dalvin cook
(Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

Dalvin Cook has enjoyed one hell of a run with the Minnesota Vikings. But his time in the Twin Cities appears to be coming to an end, according to multiple reports out of ESPN.

Cook, who has spent his entire NFL career with the Vikings, appears to be on his way out. Kevin Seifert of ESPN reported on the news regarding a separation this week.

“The Vikings’ post-Dalvin Cook era has been taking shape for months,” Seifert wrote. Added ESPN’s Adam Schefter, “All that remains is for the Viking to formalize Cook’s exit, a denouement that seems likely if not completely certain.”

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said Minnesota could look to trade Cook or could potentially release him before the start of the season.

“Teams I talked to believe they’re open to a trade and maybe holding out for that,” Fowler said on SportsCenter. “They’ve held onto his $14 million cap hit for a while now and can do so a little bit longer in the short term, but they can save $11 million on their salary cap if they trade him now that we’re past June 1. So, should be some interest there if they can shake it out. If not, they might have to release him or work on some sort of reworked contract for him to return. But I’m told that Cook, at this point, is open to a fresh start. He is now healthy, as well, with the shoulder surgery.”

Cook has been with Vikings since 2017

A former Florida State standout, the Vikings selected Cook in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Since then, he’s been a star in Minnesota out of the backfield.

In seven seasons with the franchise, Cook has earned four Pro Bowl appearances. He’s rushed for 5,993 yards with 47 touchdowns on the ground, adding 1,794 receiving yards and five scores on 221 catches. Cook still rushed for over 1,000 last season and reached the end zone 10 total times for Minnesota. It marked the fourth-straight year in which he hit the rushing milestone.

So, if Cook and the Vikings part ways, where could the running back head next? Fowler provided some input on a potential landing spot.

“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.”