3 Vikings who could be on the trade block before the 2022 deadline

Dalvin Cook – RB

Why in the world would the Vikings trade their top running back? Well, mostly because moving Dalvin Cook this year would likely result in Minnesota acquiring some significant assets that could help them out in the immediate future.

Three games into the 2022 season, it’s clear that Cook is no longer the centerpiece of the Vikings’ offense. Many figured that this was going to be the case this year, but the first few weeks have just confirmed everyone’s beliefs.

Cook is one of the few players on Minnesota’s current roster that could still generate a significant return in a trade this year. An offer with a third-round draft pick seems like a bare minimum and depending on the amount of desperation that a potential trade partner might have, the Vikings might be able to land an even better return package in exchange for the running back.

In addition to any potential draft picks that Minnesota would receive in a trade involving Cook, they would also clear almost $9 million in cap space, which will come in handy next year when they attempt to sign Justin Jefferson to a massive contract.

Would it be a difficult decision for the Vikings to move on from Cook in the middle of the season? Sure, but can Minnesota survive for the rest of the year with Alexander Mattison, Kene Nwangwu, and Ty Chandler as their running backs? Absolutely.