The 2023 NFL Draft come and went and Dalvin Cook is still a member of the Minnesota Vikings.
Whether he is still on the roster when the regular season starts is another story, however. As head coach Kevin O’Connell recently told Pro Football Talk, Cook and the Vikings continue to hash out if the 27-year-old running back fits into the team’s long-term plans.
“We want what’s best for Dalvin and Dalvin knows that. We continue to work through you know that situation knowing that the respect that the Minnesota Vikings and our organization have for Dalvin has been earned,” O’Connell said.
“We’ll see where things go here the rest of the offseason. They’re still you know working through some things, and I’m sure we’ll come to a great resolution. And if that means Dalvin Cook is still playing running back for the Vikings, that’s something that will be a really good thing for me as the head coach and play caller.”
Cook’s relationship with the Vikings seemingly began to fracture in January, when it was reported he could become a cap casualty as the team tried to shed payroll. KSTP’s Darren Wolfson reported in early February that Cook was not inclined to take a pay cut, either stating if the Vikings wanted, they could simply trade him.
The Vikings have just $1.12 million in cap space, per Over the Cap, and they still need to sign their six-player 2023 draft class. Cook carries a $14.1 million cap hit and Minnesota can save $5.89 million by cutting or trading him pre-June 1, $9 million by cutting him post-June 1 or $11 million by trading him post-June 1.
Cook has rushed for over 1,000 yards in four straight seasons, making the Pro Bowl each year. The former second-round pick is also a contributor in the passing game, adding 34 or more receptions in five of his six NFL seasons.
The Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets have all reportedly shown interest in potentially trading for Cook.
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