Dec 9, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) looks on and smiles during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
The Minnesota Vikings fan community could probably use an abluent from Dalvin Cook rumors, but it won’t arrive until the veteran running back is traded, released, or recommitted to Minnesota for another season.
The Cook rumor mill began ticking hot and heavy in early March and has ebbed and flowed since. Now, though, even Cook’s teammate, Alexander Mattison, sounds like a theorist who assumes Cook will play elsewhere this September.
Mattison spoke with ESPN’s Adam Schefter Tuesday and was asked what it would be like to play sans Cook for the first time in his career. Mattison replied, “We love each other. And I think that’s probably the hardest thing — sharing the backfield with him for four years; I wish I could do it my entire career.”
Mattison’s rookie contract expired in 2023, and many believed he’d nab a fat contract with a team not named the Vikings. But then free agency formally rolled around, the Cook rumor mill spun, and Mattison re-signed in Minnesota for two years and $7 million.
After explaining his love for Cook, Mattison’s response about Vikings operations from here forward became more interesting. “But that’s also not what I wish, from a standpoint of understanding what my dreams and aspirations are. But I want the best for him regardless of the situation. So, whatever that is, I’m gonna be just excited for him whatever it is — however it plays out.”
Mattison point-blank said, from a football standpoint, that he hopes Cook gets a fresh start on a different team. And why does he — rather honestly — think that? Well, it would mean he’d ascend to RB1 for the first time in his career where he can effectuate his ‘dreams and aspirations.’
About a week and a half ago, Mattison told Vikings.com, “I’m happy. I love it here. I always tell people I wouldn’t rather play anywhere else. It’s just an unbelievable organization, an unbelievable locker room, a team full of amazing guys, amazing coaches and amazing staff, so I’m blessed to be back.”
The soon-to-be 25-year-old has tabulated 1,670 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 404 carries with the Vikings, equaling an average of 4.1 yards per carry. He’s also effective in the passing game, where he’s tallied 526 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns in four years.
Cook, on the other hand, has three options — a trade, outright release, or accept a paycut while continuing the longstanding partnership with Mattison. The Miami Dolphins have been linked to Cook off and on for three months and are probably the frontrunner to land his services.
Yet, one item is crystal-clear: Mattison fully expects RB1 carries in 2023.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sal Spice. His Vikings obsession dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band).
All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.