Vikings: One week into free agency, roster still taking shape
Head coach Kevin O'Connell of the Minnesota Vikings looks on before the start of the game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings defeated the Giants 27-24. ((Photo by David Berding/Getty Images))
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - We’re less than a full week into NFL free agency, and the Minnesota Vikings still have some questions to address with their roster for the 2023 season.
The two big ones still left are running back Dalvin Cook, and edge rusher Za’Darius Smith. Cook is reportedly on the trade block after the Vikings brought back Alexander Mattison earlier this week on a two-year deal. Cook is due $14.1 million against the salary cap in 2023, and $2 million of that becomes fully-guaranteed on Friday.
Vikings introduce free agent signings Byron Murphy Jr., Josh Oliver
Thursday, Murphy and Oliver spoke with reporters about their journey to Minnesota at TCO Performance Center for the first time since joining the Vikings. Murphy comes to the Vikings after spending four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. The Vikings needed help in the secondary after the departures of Patrick Peterson and Cam Dantzler.
For the first time in his career, Cook played in 17 games last season and ran for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns on 264 carries, the second-most in his career. If the Vikings release or trade Cook, Mattison will lead the backfield, along with Ty Chandler and Kene Nwangwu.
Smith posted to social media late last week what felt like a goodbye to the Vikings. He reportedly has asked for his release, though the Vikings have yet to make a move on him. Smith signed a three-year, $42 million deal to come to Minnesota last season, and is due to cost $15.4 million against the salary cap this year.
He had 10 sacks on the season, but just 1.5 over the final 11 games. Like Cook, Smith is due to have $5 million of his 2023 salary guaranteed on Friday. His days with the Vikings could still be numbered, especially after they agreed to terms with Marcus Davenport in free agency.
Here’s a look at what’s happened with the Vikings since the league year opened on Wednesday:
DEPARTURES
Eric Kendricks, Patrick Peterson, Dalvin Tomlinson, Cam Dantzler, Adam Thielen
RETURNERS
Alexander Mattison, Jordan Hicks, Harrison Smith, Garrett Bradbury, Greg Joseph, Andrew DePaola, Nick Mullens, Ben Ellefson, Kenny Willekes, Austin Schlottmann
FREE AGENT ARRIVALS
Marcus Davenport, Josh Oliver, Byron Murphy
What the Vikings do with Cook and Smith could be telling for the 2023 season.