With No Last-Minute Trade, Vikings Officially Release Dalvin Cook

Cook is free to sign with any team starting on Friday afternoon, but he'll likely be patient.

Finding no last-minute taker on a trade, the Vikings have officially released four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook, they announced on Friday.

News broke on Thursday morning that Cook would be released if the Vikings couldn't trade him, and that's the way things played out. He'll be free to sign with any team starting at 3 p.m. central time on Friday, but he'll presumably be patient and explore his options before signing a new deal.

The Vikings owe Cook $2 million due to an injury guarantee, but they'll recoup that via offset language when he signs his next contract.

Vikings leadership released the following statements:

Head coach Kevin 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."

GM Kwesi 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," GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said. "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."

Owner/President Mark Wilf and Owner/Chairman Zygi Wilf

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

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