What next for the Vikings after Dalvin Cook?

It looks almost inevitable that the Minnesota Vikings will move on from 4x Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook this week, whether by trade or just from being cut from the roster.

The divorce doesn’t seem a by-product of any hard feelings, but rather simply that the partnership seems to have run its naturally course.

Cook ran for 1,173 yards — the second-highest total of his six-year career — and scored eight touchdowns, while being only one of six running backs who exploded for multiple 50-yard gains. Infact, only Adrian Peterson (11,747) and Robert Smith (6,818) have more total rushing yards than Cook (5,993) for the Vikings, so it’s not really an issue of production.

So why are the Vikings moving on?

Statistically, the Vikings backup RB Alexander Mattison, a third-round selection from 2019, had a better success rate than Cook last season, despite his sporadic role. He holds tightly onto the ball and slices up the field, and while the production is rarely outstanding in terms of numbers, he’s a valuable part of the Vikings offense, despite only racking up 283 yards off 74 carries in 2022.

Mattison, still just 24, signed a two-year, $7 million contract extension with the Vikings this offseason, which suggests he’ll be given a bigger role, perhaps even as a starter. He averages over four yards a rushing attempt which is impressive, and will be hoping to build on his decent progression.

At the end of the day, money talks. Cook’s cap number is about $14.1 million in 2023, currently the third-largest number among NFL running backs behind Derrick Henry and Nick Chubb. Mattison’s cap number is about $2.4 million for 2023, the 29th-biggest number among running backs.

That is a huge difference in price. Essentially, what may be lost in the form of big-play potential at running back could be a gain in cap space to fit extensions for a generational talent like Justin Jefferson, who is expecting a pay day very soon.

Will Mattison be the primary back for Minnesota?

Of course, the Vikings will need other help at running back. DeWayne McBride, a seventh-round draft pick from UAB this year, who led the nation in rushing during the 2022 college season, is an intriguing prospect who will find reps in 2023. He’s been rehabilitating for a minor injury during spring drills and has yet to participate, but there is every chance he excel in this position.

Ty Chandler, a 2022 draft pick who spent most of the season on injured reserve, will also be looking to compete for a possible number two spot, if Mattison is the primary runner.

But all indications point towards head coach Kevin O’Connell using Mattison as an every-down back, similar to last season when Cook received 74% of the carries. He’ll have the spot, but the job seems to be his, and he’s got some big boots to fill.