The Minnesota Vikings could be entering a transition period in 2023. 

The team lost several impactful players this offseason including Adam Thielen, Dalvin Tomlinson, Za'Darius Smith, Eric Kendricks, and Patrick Peterson. In return, the team added edge defender Marcus Davenport and tight end, Josh Oliver. 

Even with Aaron Rodgers no longer in the division, the Vikings are still not favored to win the NFC North. Those odds could become even longer if the latest reports concerning one star player are true. 

Per NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, the belief is that star running back Dalvin Cook is "looking for a fresh start." 

This is not news, as Cook has been rumored to be on the chopping block for months now. However, with training camp approaching, it seems less and less likely that Cook will be in Minnesota for the 2023 season. 

Back in May, Fowler said the following regarding Cook:

Dalvin Cook, in Minnesota, he has a $14.1 million cap hit. And so I was told from a source the Vikings want to do right by the player. So, they're prepared, as of now, to hold on to his cap number through the offseason. But if there's a good trade offer that comes through, the Vikings will listen to that and could potentially move on it if it makes sense for the team and the player. That's an important distinction that was made to me. They signed Alex Mattison in the offseason as a potential starter. You know, Miami was a team that was linked to Dalvin Cook but nothing happened around draft day.

Fowler reiterated this sentiment on Friday. 

"I'm told they're (Vikings) willing to hold on to his $14 million cap hit at least for a little while," said Fowler. "But they are open to a trade and I believe, and my sense is the player is open to a fresh start."

Fowler went on to mention the Miami Dolphins as a possible landing spot for the four-time Pro Bowler. 

"He's from Miami, he trains down there," explained Fowler. "Maybe the Dolphins get involved at some point, we'll see."

Fowler's latest report piggybacks off of his earlier report stating that the Vikings are not actively seeking to move the RB but will accept a fair offer. Cook has been with the Vikings since 2017 and has been one of the best backs in the league during that time. Unfortunately, injuries have always been a factor as the back has only played one complete season (2022). 

Assuming Cook is moved before the season, the Vikings will likely hand the reins to Alexander Mattison. Mattison received over $6M guaranteed from Minnesota this offseason, which is a lot for a backup. 

Behind Mattison, the Vikings also roster 2022 fifth-rounder Ty Chandler and 2023 rookie DeWayne McBride. 

Featured Image via © Kirby Lee | 2023 Feb 5