Minnesota Vikings officially release Dalvin Cook

The Minnesota Vikings have officially released Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook, announcing the news Friday.

Cook was drafted by the Vikings in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Florida State. In six seasons with the team, he was named to four Pro Bowls.

“I hold Dalvin in the highest regard and am grateful for his contributions on and off the field. Dalvin is a tough, dynamic player and a respected leader by his teammates, which was evident by his multiple seasons as a team captain,” Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement. “As a finalist for the 2022 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, Dalvin’s approach to the game and his commitment to sportsmanship is clearly respected across the league. We appreciate Dalvin’s positivity, energy and leadership and will be pulling for him in the future.”

The #Vikings have released RB Dalvin Cook.

📰: https://t.co/NISPt4x5eD pic.twitter.com/cG7xznJ7w7

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) June 9, 2023

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Cook is not planning on rushing any decision as the Vikings still owe him $2 million. Cook’s cap hit for the season was going to be $14.1 million.

The 27-year-old Cook is third in franchise history at the 5,993 rushing yards. He played in every regular season game for the first time in 2022, finishing the season with 264 carries for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns.

It was the best regular season finish for the Vikings since 2017, winning 13 games and the NFC North title.

Cook has rushed for over 1,100 yards over the past four seasons and is second in the NFL over that time frame in scrimmage yards per game. He has also snagged 221 catches in his six-year career for 1,794 yards and five touchdowns.

“Over the past six years, Dalvin has meant so much to our organization,” Vikings owner and president Mark Wilf and owner and chairman Zygi Wilf said in a joint statement. “His love for playing football in front of the Vikings fan base was evident, and that connection branched into the community where he made an impact around the Twin Cities. Dalvin helped us launch the Vikings Table food truck and was a constant advocate for the Minnesota Vikings Foundation. His leadership in the locker room and all-out effort on the field was undeniable and a key reason he was a multi-year team captain. We are extremely grateful for all Dalvin has done for the Vikings and look forward to welcoming him back as a Legend.”