The Minnesota Vikings are planning to release running back Dalvin Cook

The Minnesota Vikings are planning to release running back Dalvin Cook

The Minnesota Vikings are planning to release running back Dalvin Cook, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Wednesday. Cook, 28, is due to make $14.1 million in base salary in 2023, the final year of his five-year, $63 million contract. The Vikings would save $9 million in cap space by releasing him after June 1. Cook is coming off a career year in 2022, rushing for 1,557 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was selected to his third Pro Bowl and was named to the All-Pro Second Team. However, Cook has also been injury-prone throughout his career. He has missed 17 games in the past four seasons. The Vikings have a crowded backfield, with Alexander Mattison and Kene Nwangwu both capable of starting. Releasing Cook would give the Vikings more cap space to address other needs, such as wide receiver and offensive line. Cook is a talented running back, but his injury history and contract make him a risky investment. The Vikings are likely to move on from him in order to save money and get younger a…