Vikings make big move to heat up Dalvin Cook trade rumors

It's a big move for the franchise and one that likely points to the end of an era for Cook and his tenure with the Vikings.

The first four seasons of Cook's career were nothing short of electrifying and provided fans with numerous highlight-reel moments. 

From 2019 to 2022, Cook amassed 3,851 rushing yards with 35 touchdowns in 41 games while averaging an impressive 4.7 yards per attempt. His two-year stretch from 2019 to 2020 was one of the most impressive in recent memory, as he racked up 2,692 yards, 29 touchdowns, 880 receiving yards, and one additional score while averaging 4.8 yards per attempt in 28 games.

Cook made the NFL Pro Bowl in each season from 2019-2022 (four years), and while he was still impressive in 2022, rushing for 1,173 yards with eight touchdowns and averaging 4.4 yards per attempt, the two sides still seem likely to opt for a fresh start.

All signs (literally) point to Mattison getting a shot to prove he can be a featured back in 2023. The former Boise State Broncos running back was drafted by the Vikings in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. 

After averaging 4.6 and 4.5 yards per attempt through his first two seasons on 196 rushing attempts, Mattison fell to 3.7 and 3.8 yards per attempt, respectively, in the past two seasons. Mattison is coming off a season in which he had a career-high in rushing touchdowns with five.

The drop-off from Cook to Mattison is a huge question mark, but the 24-year-old Mattison has certainly shown glimpses of being able to handle the No. 1 running back job. 

With Cook battling injuries on and off throughout his career and set to turn 28 in August, it makes sense why the Vikings could attempt to move him while they could potentially receive a stronger return via trade than waiting another season.

For running backs, the age of 30 is a dreaded one in many cases, and the Vikings would be wise to move him before next offseason. That also seems destined to be the outcome here.