3 Vikings candidates to be cut going into the summer

Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings looks on against the Arizona Cardinals in the second quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Cardinals 34-26. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

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Dalvin Cook #4 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /

Vikings cut candidate No. 1: Dalvin Cook

No one knows what’s going to happen with Vikings running back Dalvin Cook this offseason.

While the Minnesota brass claim they have Cook’s best interests at heart, their actions speak otherwise.

The star running back seemed unwilling to lower his salary for the 2023 season, and given their contract spat some around the league believe the Vikings plan to release Cook with a post-June 1 designation.

Cook is currently carrying a $14.1 million cap hit and will earn $10.4 million in base salary next year. Having already extended Alexander Mattison — who has proven season after season he could handle top running back duties when Cook was injured — the Vikings have a genuine dilemma on their hands with Cook.

Few teams would likely agree to a trade given Cook’s undesirable contract and recent history of shoulder issues. Unless Minnesota want to roster an expensive and disgruntled ball-carrier for 2023, the franchise may be better off cutting ties now and maybe adding a cheap veteran to round out the running back room.

Cook himself may suddenly decide he does want to adjust his contract to stay in Minnesota on more amicable terms, yet the Vikings can’t count on him changing his mind.

As it stands, Cook poses as one of the team’s most high-profile cut candidates heading into the summer.

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