Report: Vikings releasing Dalvin Cook

The Minnesota Vikings are parting ways with running back Dalvin Cook, a source told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Cook made his fourth Pro Bowl in 2022 after running for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games. He caught 39 passes for 295 yards and a pair of scores.

The 27-year-old signed a five-year, $63-million extension with the Vikings in 2020 and would’ve become a free agent in 2026. The $12.6-million average annual value ranked third among running backs, trailing only the San Francisco 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey ($16 million) and the New Orleans Saints’ Alvin Kamara ($15 million).

Minnesota can split the dead cap hit from Cook’s contract over 2023 and 2024 because he was released after June 1. His dead cap hits will be approximately $5.1 million in 2023 and $3.1 million in 2024, according to Spotrac.

Cook’s release will free $9 million in cap space for 2023 and $12.5 million in 2024.

The elusive running back will be free to sign with any team once his release is official. The Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins are among the teams expected to be interested, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

Cook tallied 5,993 rushing yards, 1,794 receiving yards, and 52 scrimmage touchdowns in 73 career games, all with the Vikings.

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