Multiple reports Thursday morning said the Vikings would release Cook on Friday. If they can't locate a trading partner who'll match their pricing before then. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero and ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Thursday morning.
After the Vikings re-signed Alexander Mattison for two years and $7 million in free agency, Cook's future appeared bleak. The Vikings almost traded Cook to the Dolphins in the offseason, but it fell through.
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has avoided saying he wants Cook back this season.
"We try to be solutions-oriented and put the roster together within our constraints." "We'll keep talking," Adofo-Mensah stated.
Cook ran for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games for the first time last season. Cook averaged 4.7 yards per rush with 47 touchdowns in 73 Vikings games.
The Vikings drafted him in the second round in 2017. Four consecutive Pro Bowls.
Cook was owed $14 million this season. The Vikings will save $9 million by releasing him.
TCO Performance Center hosts required Vikings mini camp next Tuesday and Wednesday. Thursday's announcement eliminates Cook. He also skipped OTAs.
Cook is the latest veteran to leave as the Vikings cut compensation for 2023. They trimmed Eric Kendricks, Adam Thielen, Cam Dantzler, lost Dalvin Tomlinson and
Patrick Peterson in free agency, restructured Jordan Hicks and Harrison Smith, and traded Za'Darius Smith. A Justin Jefferson contract and Danielle Hunter resolution are the last dominoes.