Vikings release four-time Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook

As expected, the Minnesota Vikings terminated the contract of RB Dalvin Cook, the team announced on Friday.

Cook signed a five-year, $63 million contract extension with Minnesota In 2020. He was scheduled to make $11 million in 2023.

Minnesota drafted the 27-year-old in the second round back in 2017. He has spent his entire six-year career with the Vikings.

Last season, the four-time Pro Bowler(2019-2022) rushed for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns.

Cook, who the Vikings tried to trade, is still playing at a high level; he can definitely help a team.

Vikings ownership, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, and head coach Kevin O’Connell highly praised Cook.

Adofo-Mensah:

“Dalvin has been an incredible leader for this organization for years and I quickly noticed how respected he is among everyone in our building. “I’m fortunate to have been around such an enjoyable, talented and hardworking person like him over the last year. He’s etched his name in Vikings history with his production on the field but also by consistently giving back to the Vikings Foundation. We are thankful for everything Dalvin brought to the Vikings and sincerely wish him all the best in his future.”

O’Connell:

“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. 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.

Vikings Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf and Owner/President Mark Wilf:

“Over the past six years, Dalvin has meant so much to our organization. His love for playing football in front of our 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.”