Per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Minnesota and running back Dalvin Cook are parting ways. In six seasons with the Vikings, Cook rushed for 5,993 yards, the third-most in franchise history. 

Even though Cook has rushed for 1,000 yards or more in four of his six seasons, he had the team’s third-largest cap number ($14.1M). After releasing him, the Vikings will save $9M in cap space via OverTheCap. 

Per OTC, Minnesota only has $9.7M in cap room. Consequently, it’s made several cost-cutting moves throughout the offseason. The Vikings released wide receiver Adam Thielen and linebacker Eric Kendricks. Also, they dealt Pro Bowl linebacker Za’Darius Smith to Cleveland. 

Star pass-rusher Danielle Hunter, a three-time Pro Bowler, could be on the move, too. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network noted that Minnesota has received trade calls for Hunter, and the interest is “real.” 

The Vikings might be releasing and trading stars to make room for an extension for wide receiver Justin Jefferson. The 24-year-old led the league in receptions (128), receiving yards (1,809) and won 2022 Offensive Player of the Year. 

Per Spotrac, Jefferson’s market value is a four-year deal worth $26.7M annually. Although two years remain on his contract, Minnesota probably wants to be proactive since the price will keep increasing.

Given the Vikings’ situation, it’s unsurprising that they released star players such as Cook. Nonetheless, they must be careful with this semi-rebuild. 

Betting the future on one player is risky, and Minnesota doesn’t want to regress after it went 13-4 and won the NFC North last season.