The Dalvin Cook saga with the Minnesota Vikings is about to come to a close. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Vikings have informed Cook that he is being released. Before doing so, they are also going to attempt to trade him one last time.
The reaction to the news was varied. There were plenty of people reminiscing about his excellent career with the purple and gold, while others used the opportunity to talk about the failure of second contracts for running backs.
Let’s take a look at some of those reactions.
Remeniscing
Thanks for everything, @dalvincook. We're gonna miss you. #Skol
— Eric Thompson (@eric_j_thompson) June 8, 2023
Dalvin Cook's last TD for the Vikings was a crucial play in the largest comeback in NFL history.pic.twitter.com/PX6LXkzCTP
— Janik Eckardt (@JanikEckardt) June 8, 2023
At his best, Dalvin Cook was one of the most explosive playmakers in #Vikings history. He almost single-handedly dragged Minnesota to a victory at Lambeau Field in 2020 with 226 yards and four touchdowns. pic.twitter.com/Jn3i6jflcC
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) June 8, 2023
Being there in person, this is the Dalvin Cook run that will stick with me#skol pic.twitter.com/tqqe8T8IaX
— Jack Leverentz (@Bossman_10K) June 8, 2023
Second running back contracts are a mistake
Dalvin Cook completed two years of a five year, $63m contract. One day teams will just stop the extensions at the position
— Jason_OTC (@Jason_OTC) June 8, 2023
Life of an NFL RB in 2023…
Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott, Kareem Hunt and Leonard Fournette are all free agents.
Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs have not signed their franchise tag tenders yet.
The position from a financial standpoint is not what it once was.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 8, 2023
Reminder:
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah isn't responsible for the contract the team gave Dalvin Cook that nobody wants to give up any capital to trade for.
— Minnesota Vikings Football at The Daily Norseman (@DailyNorseman) June 8, 2023
Austin Ekeler made noise about contract, Chargers did basically nothing.
3 Franchise Tag RBs can't get a long-term deal.
Dalvin Cook is about to be released.
These are some of the best players in the league at their position.
The business of being an NFL RB is not a good one.— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) June 8, 2023
Advanced metrics just weren't good
Dalvin Cook still hit some home runs this year, but he also finished last among 36 RBs in rush yards over expected, 36th/42 in DYAR, and 33rd in PFF rushing grade. 32% of his carries went for a yard or less.
Wherever he lands, he'll look to bounce back with a healthier shoulder.
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) June 8, 2023
it was time for the vikings to move on from dalvin cook, especially given his 2023 cap hit
most GM's probably would have made this move but would definitely expect it from kwesi adofo-mensah given he's most likely looking at the same metrics we do pic.twitter.com/oqkLbknHFS
— Tej Seth (@tejfbanalytics) June 8, 2023
2022 Dalvin Cook is a perfect example of traditional stats vs. advanced stats.
Awesome fantasy football back with horrible underlying metrics. https://t.co/URWGgXQnLb
— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) June 8, 2023
Salary cap space
According to OTC, the #vikings will have $18,749,972 in cap space once Dalvin Cook is released. pic.twitter.com/DvneeiIlkd
— Ali Siddiqui (@asiddiqui15) June 8, 2023
SAVINGS: By releasing Dalvin Cook, the Minnesota #Vikings freed up $9 million in cap space for this season and another $12.5 million in 2024. 💰💰💰 #SKOL pic.twitter.com/1xPiESvn7O
— SKOR North (@SKORNorth) June 8, 2023
