There is a massive debate over whether or not the Green Bay Packers are rebuilding or simply reloading. While there are valid arguments on both sides, make sure no one lets Keisean Nixon here about a “rebuild.” As it stands, the Packers may end up being in a great position in terms of their roster when compared to other teams in their division.
Among their division rivals, only the Detroit Lions have a valid case for having improved enough to contend for a division title. The Chicago Bears are coming off a season in which they had the worst record in the NFL. There was, literally, only one direction that roster could go, which was up. Even then, there is little belief that they will be anywhere close to good enough to contend for the division or a wild card spot.
And then there is the Minnesota Vikings. One of their biggest free agent signings this offseason signings was Dean Lowry, which tells you all need to know about the direction of their roster. Additionally, they traded Za’Darius Smith to the Cleveland Browns, and it sounds like they are just weeks away from cutting their four-time Pro Bowl running back.
The Minnesota Vikings Are Expected to Cut Dalvin Cook
According to Justin Cohen of The Tallahassee Journal, the Vikings are going cut Dalvin Cook after they were unable to find a suitable trade partner. The move will save the team $9 million in cap space:
Per source, I’m told after stalled trade conversations, the Minnesota #Vikings have informed RB Dalvin Cook that he will be released following the June 1st designation. This move will save the Vikings $9M in cap space. #SKOL pic.twitter.com/WIm64P3ytJ
— Justin Cohen (@BadBoyOfScoops) May 12, 2023
In six seasons with the Vikings, Cook has 5,993 rushing yards and 47 touchdowns on the ground. He has been a thorn in Packers’ side for years now with over 10% of his career rushing yard totals coming against Green Bay. In six seasons, Cook has 650 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns against the Packers. On a per game basis against them, Cook averages 72.2 yards on 15.8 rushes (4.6 yards per carry). Fans may not-so-fondly remember the November 1, 2020 contest which saw Cook torch the Packers for 226 total yards and four touchdowns.
As the Bears, Packers, and Lions all seem set at the running back position, it is likely that Cook will be signed by a team outside of the NFC North, and Green Bay’s defense can breathe a little easier.
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