Officially official: Dalvin Cook has been released by the Minnesota Vikings.
The team made the move public just before noon Friday, a decision that frees up an estimated $9.1 million in cap space while giving Cook the immediate freedom to sign wherever he wants as an unrestricted free agent.
“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,” Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said in a prepared statement.
“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.”
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah called Cook an “incredible leader” who has “etched his name in Vikings history.”
Vikings owners Zygi and Wilf issued a joint statement in which they hint that Cook will someday be inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor.
“We are extremely grateful for all Dalvin has done for the Vikings and look forward to welcoming him back as a Legend,” the Wilfs said.
We had plenty of reaction to the report Thursday that Cook’s release was coming Friday. Click our stories below for great reaction and insight to what could happen next.
Matthew Coller’s instant reaction: Vikings part ways with Dalvin Cook
What’s next for the Vikings after cutting Dalvin Cook?
Where does Dalvin Cook sit on the Vikings’ Mount Rushmore of running backs?
