The Vikings Daily Opener is the go-to source for all things Minnesota Vikings. In the latest episode, the team's decision to release running back Dalvin Cook was the highlight of the discussion. The move will double their salary cap space for the next two seasons, providing them with more financial resources to build a stronger team. However, it comes at a cost, as the team will have to pay $8.2 million in dead cap over the next two seasons because of the $2 million guaranteed money Cook received during his shoulder surgery in February. The team will have $18.75 million in cap space for 2023 and $54.3 million in cap space for 2024 after Cook's release, according to Over The Cap.
Another topic of discussion was the news that the Vikings are reportedly receiving calls about trading Danielle Hunter, their talented edge rusher. Co-host Tyler Forness believes that trading Hunter now would be a failure by the front office, as he has been a cornerstone of the Vikings' defense since joining the team in 2015. Hunter had a great 2022 season, proving his worth by staying healthy the entire time and ranking eighth in the league with 10.5 sacks and 78 pressures per PFF. However, the Vikings still need to negotiate a new contract for Hunter, as he is due just $4.9 million in base salary with a maximum cash flow of $5.5 million, which is not nearly fair compensation for a player of his caliber.
The Vikings' decision to release Cook and possibly trade Hunter is part of a larger strategy to reshape their roster and improve their financial situation. The team is taking proactive steps to improve their financial flexibility, which will help them in the long run. They are moving on from veterans on bad contracts that were signed by former general manager Rick Spielman during his tenure. This strategic decision will help the team become more financially flexible and position them to compete at a higher level in the coming seasons.
Overall, the Vikings' decision to release Cook and possibly trade Hunter will provide them with more financial resources to build a stronger team, but it comes at a cost. The team is taking proactive steps to improve their financial situation, which will prove beneficial in the long run. However, they need to prioritize Hunter's contract situation if they want to keep him on the team, as failing to do so could have consequences for the team's defense and their long-term prospects. The Vikings' reshaping of their roster is part of an ongoing competitive rebuild, as they try to navigate both the present and the future.
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