On June 9, the Minnesota Vikings decided to part ways with star running back Dalvin Cook after six years of service and four straight Pro Bowl appearances in the last four years.
Although Cook is, without a doubt, one of the best backs in the NFL today, the Vikings wanted to move on and did just that, making him a free agent and able to sign with any team that comes calling.
Unfortunately for Cook, he remains unsigned two full weeks after being released, which isn’t a great indication of things to come for the veteran back, especially considering that the Miami Dolphins were thought to jump on signing him immediately to bolster their backfield.
With Cook still trying to figure out his NFL future, it is back to business for the Vikings and running back Alexander Mattison, who is embracing his new role as the lead and being thankful for Cook pushing him to be the best he can be via SiriusXM NFL Radio.
.@Vikings RB Alexander Mattison discussed how he is approaching the 2023 season in Minnesota and what Dalvin Cook has meant to his career…#Vikings | #SKOL | @AlexMattison22 pic.twitter.com/1mHbiemasJ
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) June 22, 2023
Mattison spent the last four years in Minnesota sharing the backfield with Cook and now will have his time to shine as the team moves on without the four-time Pro Bowler leading the way.
In four years with the Vikings, Mattison has racked up 1,670 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns on 404 carries to go along with 526 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 70 receptions.
It’ll be interesting to see if the Vikings’ gamble pays off as they move on from a proven veteran and hand the ball over to a player looking to make a name for himself in Minnesota.
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