After six seasons, Vikings officially move on from Dalvin Cook

Unable to find a trade partner during the last few months, the Minnesota Vikings announced the official release of running back Dalvin Cook on Friday

After months of speculation, the Minnesota Vikings made an official announcement on Friday that they have released running back Dalvin Cook.

Cook was selected by the Vikings in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft and he was immediately inserted as the team's new starting running back.

In six seasons with Minnesota, Cook rushed for 5,993 yards and 81 touchdowns in addition to catching 221 passes for 1,794 yards and another five scores. He leaves the Vikings with the third-most career rushing yards in the franchise's history.

Who will sign Dalvin Cook following his release by the Minnesota Vikings?

During the last few months, there have been multiple reports about several different teams expressing interest in adding Cook to their roster this year.

The Miami Dolphins are a team that many consider to be the frontrunner to land the veteran running back since they are his hometown team. Other teams that have shown up in Cook-related rumors this offseason include the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, and Dallas Cowboys.

Following Cook's official departure, Alexander Mattison is expected to be given the opportunity to be Minnesota's starting running back next season.

Mattison became a free agent earlier this year after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Vikings. Some thought he might sign elsewhere and get a fresh start with a new team, but ultimately, he decided to agree to a two-year contract worth $7 million to remain in Minnesota.

Mattison was never on the field for more than 35 percent of the Vikings' offensive snaps in any of his four seasons with the team. That percentage is likely going to go up significantly in 2023 and Minnesota will be hoping Mattison can take full advantage of his new opportunities.