The Minnesota Vikings are expected to officially release veteran RB Dalvin Cook on Friday unless any last-minute trade offers come through to prevent him from hitting the open market. Cook, at the age of 27, is set to be a free agent not too long after signing his extension with Minnesota. Alexander Mattison, who re-signed on a two-year deal worth up to $8 million in March, now tops the Vikings‘ RB depth chart.

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Dalvin Cook Cut by Minnesota Vikings

The Dalvin Cook saga is over. Unless it isn’t. Cook has long been rumored to be on the outs in Minnesota, with the Vikings pursuing trade options over the last few months. It was recently reported that the Dolphins nearly traded for the veteran RB back in March, but it’s unclear if Miami is still interested after drafting Devon Achane in the 2023 NFL Draft to join veterans Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., Salvon Ahmed and Myles Gaskin in the RB room.

How Dalvin Cook’s Release Affects Vikings

In Minnesota, it seems pretty clear that Alexander Mattison is set to take over the lead role in the backfield. After Mattison, things get a bit murkier. Their current depth chart includes Ty Chandler, DeWayne McBride and Kene Nwangwu. Chandler was a fifth-round pick in 2022 and barely saw the field as a rookie. Nwangwu, likewise, has just 22 carries over his two seasons in the NFL.

The one to watch here may be McBride. The Vikings drafted him in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but McBride missing the NFL Scouting Combine and his UAB pro day due to a hamstring injury might be part of the reason he fell in the draft. Mattison is the clear bellcow here, but he’s never been a true No. 1 before. There will be touches up for grabs behind Mattison, and McBride will have his chance in training camp and the preseason to prove he deserves them.

Dalvin Cook to MIA full send

The MIN backfield is the real talking point here with Mattison, Chandler, & McBride.

Tired: chase Alexander Mattison ADP ⬆️

Wired: Invest in the best pure rusher in the backfield: DeWayne McBride

— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) June 8, 2023

Potential Landing Spots for Dalvin Cook

The early favorite is the Miami Dolphins, who nearly traded for Cook a few months ago and remain interested, according to Adam Schefter. Right behind them is the Denver Broncos, who have a new HC in Sean Payton and a RB in Javonte Williams who is recovering from ACL and LCL tears. Schefter reports that they are also interested in Cook’s services, and they may be able to offer a clearer role than Miami, given the crowded depth chart mentioned above.

Other landing spots that would make sense include the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Chargers. Cook’s fantasy value will ultimately be determined by his landing spot. A dream scenario, at least for Dalvin Cook fantasy managers, would be the Bengals moving on from RB Joe Mixon and bringing in Cook on a one-year prove-it deal.

Check back here once Cook signs for a detailed breakdown of what it means for his fantasy value and relevance in redraft and dynasty leagues.

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