The 2023 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, with all 32 teams in the league trying to finalize their plans to bring in a new crop of young players to bolster their rosters.
One team that may be looking to make some bold moves ahead of and during the draft is the defending NFC North champion Minnesota Vikings.
Although the team only lost four regular-season games on its way to winning the division title, Minnesota could part with one of their best offensive players in the days leading up to the draft.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN via Dov Kleiman, the Vikings could release star running back Dalvin Cook ahead of April 27, which would make one of the best backs in the league available to the highest bidder.
Update: #Vikings could cut Pro-Bowl RB Dalvin Cook by Draft time, per @JFowlerESPN
“I’m told all options are on the table and he could be released if things don’t work out.”
The Vikings also already talked to at least one team about a trade in the past. pic.twitter.com/cMuUZQ6mHh
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 15, 2023
Here are some fan reactions to the shocking news that the Vikings could cut Cook before the draft:
He’s a Dolphin pic.twitter.com/ak3g33K7Sg
— Kevin ☔️ (@HollywoodxKev) April 15, 2023
Tyreek, Cook, Tua, Mostert and Waddle on the same team 😩😩😩😩 pic.twitter.com/XXlicEJoDu
— JaydenBlue18 (@JayydenBlue18) April 15, 2023
Do it, dare ya! pic.twitter.com/ad99ApAo1I
— Dewey (@FanaticCincy) April 15, 2023
Eagle be ready pic.twitter.com/64H79DpHUI
— tommy (@tommysznn) April 15, 2023
The running back position in the NFL has changed a lot over the years as it has become less and less valuable to teams despite the impact a star player like Cook can have on a team.
Cook has been named the Pro Bowl for four straight years in Minnesota and is coming off yet another solid season in which he racked up 1,468 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns.
At 27, despite some injury issues over the years, Cook will be a hot commodity if the Vikings indeed release him and likely won’t be without a job in the NFL for long.
NEXT:
Fans React To What Vikings GM Said About Dalvin Cook
