The Vikings are expected to release or trade running back Dalvin Cook by the end of the week, according to a source with knowledge of the team's plans, giving Cook a chance to land with another team before mandatory minicamps next week.
A series of offseason moves made his departure seem like a foregone conclusion. Sources said the team had explored either trading Cook or restructuring his contract for several months after bringing back Alexander Mattison on a two-year deal, and it seemed obvious Cook would see his role change if he were to return to Minnesota for a seventh season.