(Minneapolis) The Minnesota Vikings released Dalvin Cook for salary cap reasons, despite four straight seasons of at least 1,000 yards rushing by the star running back.
Cook has been briefed on the decision, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Thursday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity since the Vikings had not yet announced the maneuver.
In just six seasons with the Vikings, Cook climbed to third in team history with 5,993 rushing yards. He ranks fourth with 47 rushing touchdowns.
Cook’s salary would have a $14.1 million impact on the Vikings’ payroll next season, the third-highest amount on the league for a running back, behind Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb. By releasing him, the Vikings will save nine million this season.
Cook, who will celebrate his 28e birthday in August, has been invited to the Pro Bowl four times in a row. In 2022, he participated in each of his 18 games, including the playoffs, for the first time in his career. He had struggled with knee, thigh and shoulder injuries in his first five campaigns.
Cook’s future was in doubt since the Vikings extended the contract of his auxiliary Alexander Mattison for two seasons and seven million, an amount that would have been particularly luxurious for a number two running back.