NFC North: Vikings lose another offensive weapon, release Dalvin Cook

The Chicago Bears’ path to a potential NFC North title got a little easier Thursday with news that the Minnesota Vikings released star running back Dalvin Cook.

The #Vikings and four-time Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook are parting ways, per source.

One of the NFL’s most dynamic playmakers, Cook is coming off a fourth straight 1,000-yard season and has 52 career TDs. Now he’ll be a free agent at age 27 and will have multiple suitors. pic.twitter.com/kJUIi9XP6O

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 8, 2023

Cook, 27, ran for 1,173 yards and 8 TDs in 2022, marking the fourth-straight season he’s topped 1,000 rushing yards. And while it’s true he’s lost a step since his 1,557-yard, 16-touchdown season in 2020, he still averaged 4.4 yards per carry last year.

Dalvin Cook has enjoyed modest success against the Chicago Bears since 2018. In five games against Chicago, Cook’s carried the ball 159 times for 613 yards and four touchdowns (3.9 yards per carry).

The Vikings running game now belongs to Alexander Mattison, who’s served as Cook’s primary backup since 2019. And while Mattison has been productive in spurts, he’s still a relatively unknown commodity. Can he replace Cook’s superstar production all by himself? We’ll see.

For the Bears, it’s great news that Dalvin Cook is off their divisional schedule. Even if he’s a step or two slower, he’s still one of the league’s best all-around running backs. Not having to face him twice in 2023 made coach Matt Eberflus’ job much easier.

Cook joins wide receiver Adam Thielen and linebacker Eric Kendricks as ex-Vikings stalwarts who won’t haunt the Chicago Bears anymore.