Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Football News


 
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  • Dalvin Cook A Real Possibility For The Dolphins

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    The Minnesota Vikings seem all but certain to get rid of running back Dalvin Cook this offseason, and The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson writes that he is "a real possibility" for the Miami Dolphins if he's released. The Dolphins could also choose to trade for Cook, who is currently training in South Florida while recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. The 27-year-old is coming off his fourth straight 1,000-yard rushing season, but injuries have been an issue in recent seasons and he also had a career-low 4.4 yards per carry in 2022. All signs point to Minnesota giving the reigns to Alexander Mattison as their featured back in 2023 and moving on from Cook, so he's becoming a very shaky RB2 in fantasy. If he were to land in Miami, Cook would be joining an already crowded backfield that includes Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr. and rookie De'Von Achane.

    Jun 3 · Source via Minnesota Vikings Dalvin Cook
  • Dolphins Remain On Dalvin Cook Radar

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    The one team known to have discussed a trade with the Vikings for Dalvin Cook is not believed to be out of the running for the Pro Bowl back. The Dolphins remain interested in bringing the veteran back to South Florida. No trade is in place between the teams, per Barry Jackson of the Miami […]

    Jun 3 · Pro Football Rumors Miami Dolphins Minnesota Vikings Dalvin Cook Devon Achane Myles Gaskin Raheem Mostert Jeff Wilson
  • Why Vikings could turn to Alexander Mattison over Dalvin Cook

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    Money isn't the only reason the Vikings might let go of Cook and turn over the reins in the backfield to Alexander Mattison.

    Jun 2 · ESPN Minnesota Vikings Dalvin Cook Alexander Mattison
  • Would Dalvin Cook be a good fit with the Dolphins?

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    Cook would have to fit into a crowded backfield, but the South Florida native still has enough in the tank to make an impact.

    Jun 2 · ESPN Minnesota Vikings Miami Dolphins Dalvin Cook
  • Ty Chandler, Kene Nwangwu Could Battle For No. 2 Job

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    Early spring practices have suggested that Minnesota Vikings running backs Ty Chandler and Pro Bowl kickoff returner Kene Nwangwu could battle for the No. 2 job in the team's backfield behind Alexander Mattison if they part ways with Dalvin Cook, as expected. Chandler spent most of his rookie season in 2022 on Injured Reserve. DeWayne McBride, a seventh-round pick this year who led the nation in rushing last year, is another intriguing prospect but has been rehabbing a minor injury this spring and has yet to take part in organized team activities. If Cook isn't on the team come training camp, Chandler figures to be the most likely backup to Mattison, but we'll have a better idea of how the Vikings backfield will shake out in another month or so.

    Jun 2 · Source via Minnesota Vikings Ty Chandler Kene Nwangwu
  • Dalvin Cook Showing Signs Of Decline?

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    Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has rushed for more yards (5,993) than any in team history except Adrian Peterson (11,747) and Robert Smith (6,818), and he had his fourth straight 1,000-yard season in 2022 while also not missing a game for the first time in his career. He ripped off TD runs of 53 and 81 yards last year and had a top speed of 21.68 mph, the seventh-fastest speed of any ball carrier in 2022. However, he led the league with 62 carries that either lost or didn't gain a yard, and only 34.5% of his carries gained positive yards over expectation. With his injury history and high salary cap numbers the next two years, the Vikings have been planning to move on for some time now. Cook remains in Minnesota, but he's becoming an increasingly volatile RB2 investment in fantasy.

    Jun 2 · Source via Minnesota Vikings Dalvin Cook
  • Vikings Ready For Alexander Mattison To Take Three-Down Role?

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    The Minnesota Vikings have been slowly transitioning away from running back Dalvin Cook and to Alexander Mattison, who was re-signed in March to a contract that guarantees him $6.35 million over the next two seasons. Mattison said he returned because of an "understanding how it's all laid out and how it's all going to work out." Head coach Kevin O'Connell recently lauded Mattison's demonstration of "that all-three-down kind of ownership that he's been capable of for a long time." Mattison is a physical inside runner, having averaged 1.91 yards per rush after contact, but only one of his 404 career carries has gone for more than 24 yards. All indications are that the Vikings would use Mattison as an every-down back if Cook is out of the picture, which would make him a steal in fantasy drafts at the moment.

    Jun 2 · Source via Minnesota Vikings Alexander Mattison
  • TE Ben Ellefson Announces Retirement

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    Ben Ellefson is calling it a career after only three professional seasons. The veteran tight end announced on Instagram today that he’s retiring from the NFL. In his announcement, Ellefson indicated that injuries played a role in his decision. “Thank you football for the people you’ve brought into my life and the opportunities you’ve given […]

    Jun 1 · Pro Football Rumors Minnesota Vikings Ben Ellefson
  • Justin Jefferson Not At OTAs

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    Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson is absent from his team's OTAs this week, according to reports. Head coach Kevin O'Connell discussed Jefferson's absence with reporters, stating that he has been speaking with the star receiver regularly and that he hopes to see Jefferson "as soon as possible." The Vikings have a mandatory mini-camp on June 13 and 14. While Jefferson skipping OTAs is worth noting, his absence at the mid-June mandatory mini-camp would be a much bigger deal. Jefferson is likely angling for a contract extension as he will play the 2023 season on the fourth year of his rookie contract. As one of the top wideouts in the league, Jefferson should become one of the highest-paid receivers in the league when he does finally ink an extension.

    May 30 · Source via Minnesota Vikings Justin Jefferson
  • Jordan Addison Not Participating At OTAs

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    Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison is not participating at organized team activities this week, but head coach Kevin O'Connell said it is "nothing serious." Addison reportedly suffered a minor undisclosed injury at rookie minicamp. For now, there should be no panic or takeaway as the team is likely just being careful with its 2023 first-round pick. Addison is expected to have a big role right away alongside Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson in the ascending Minnesota offense led by Kirk Cousins. These "minor injuries" can develop into big things quickly, though, so stay tuned for further updates.

    May 30 · Source via Minnesota Vikings Jordan Addison
  • Dalvin Cook Remains Explosive

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    Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook ranks 10th on NFL.com's Nick Shook's list of the most explosive runners in 2022. He broke 20 mph on three of his carries and logged one of the best top speeds of any qualifying RB at 21.68 mph. Cook continues to run like a wrecking ball, as evidenced by his 57 runs of 15-plus mph. However, he didn't rack up enough runs of 10-plus yards to land higher on this list. The 27-year-old's fantasy value is down heading into 2023. He produced his fourth straight 1,000-yard rushing season a year ago, but he's also coming off shoulder surgery in February and is expected to be traded by the Vikings this offseason. Cook remains explosive at his position, but he's becoming more of a high-end RB2 target in fantasy instead of a surefire RB1.

    May 30 · Source via Minnesota Vikings Dalvin Cook
  • Dalvin Cook Now Considering A Pay Cut?

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    According to Darren "Doogie" Wolfson of KSTP, who "spoke to someone in the know," Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook may now be considering playing on a reduced salary. "The possibility exists that Dalvin will rework his deal, take some sort of cut, realize that there really isn't another opportunity out there," said Wolfson during an episode of Minnesota Sports with Mackey & Judd. "Like, who really truly needs a running back?" It goes without saying that Cook isn't as productive as he once was. But he still finished last season by rushing for nearly 1,200 yards and totaling 10 touchdowns. However, his fantasy appeal has fallen significantly with the recent contract turmoil. That said, if the 27-year-old remains in Minnesota, his fantasy stock will increase. On the other hand, Alexander Mattison's outlook wouldn't be as bright if Cook remains in the equation.

    May 26 · Source via Minnesota Vikings Dalvin Cook
  • Vikings Sign Wideout Lucky Jackson From XFL

    The Minnesota Vikings signed wide receiver Lucky Jackson, who spent the recently-concluded XFL season with the D.C. Defenders. Jackson finished as a top-five wideout in yards (573) and touchdowns (5) for the XFL Champion Runner-Ups. Jackson posted 2,691 yards and 13 touchdowns in college at Western Kentucky (2016-2019). He is no guarantee to make the Vikings' roster, but this is the organization that gave Adam Thielen a chance after he went undrafted and showed up to a local tryout. That said, there's no fantasy football takeaway from this signing, but it will be interesting to see if any XFL players make an impact in the NFL this season.

    May 23 · Source via Minnesota Vikings
  • Vikings Sign Zach Ojile, Sam Schlueter

    The Minnesota Vikings signed fullback Zach Ojile and offensive lineman Sam Schlueter to undisclosed deals this week after both players took part in the team's rookie minicamp on a tryout basis. Both players are Minnesota natives, with Ojile playing at University of Minnesota - Duluth, while Schlueter played at the University of Minnesota. Ojile stands at 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds, and he had 25 catches for 289 yards and five touchdowns last year as a tight end. He also carried the ball 12 times for 53 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Ojile will join fullback C.J. Ham on the Vikings roster. Schlueter played both right and left tackle in college.

    May 18 · Source via Minnesota Vikings
  • Vikings Sign Jordan Addison To Rookie Deal

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    The Minnesota Vikings signed first-round wide receiver Jordan Addison, who was the 23rd overall pick of this year's NFL draft, to his four-year rookie deal on Wednesday, according to a source. Durability could be an issue for the 21-year-old pass-catcher at the next level, as he stands at just 5-foot-11, 173 pounds, but he was extremely productive at Pittsburgh and UCLA in college. If he's going to be effective in the NFL, he'll need to gain plenty of separation from his defenders and pick up yards after the catch. Addison is joining a potent Vikings passing attack and he should start immediately in three-receiver sets, but the Vikes also have plenty of mouths to feed on offense, beginning with All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson.

    May 17 · Source via NFL Draft Minnesota Vikings Jordan Addison
  • Dalvin Cook May Be Released Before Traded

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    According to Mike Florio, the Vikings haven't found a trade partner for running back Dalvin Cook. While multiple clubs are likely interested in the Pro Bowler, nobody seems eager to take on his remaining contract. It appears Minnesota is set on getting Cook off the roster, so releasing him may be inevitable. If that occurs, several teams can swoop in and offer a deal better suited for their financial situation. Without question, the 27-year-old has been a potent fantasy option since entering the league. However, his fantasy outlook will hinge on where he ends up. Cook's inability to stay healthy has also been an issue over the years.

    May 17 · Source via Minnesota Vikings Dalvin Cook
  • Dalvin Cook Trade Not Imminent

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    There have been plenty of rumors that the Minnesota Vikings will trade running back Dalvin Cook this offseason, but ESPN's Jeremy Fowler says there is "not a clear-cut avenue for (Dalvin Cook) to be traded, at least at the moment." The right opportunity to move Cook has yet to manifest itself, but nobody should be surprised at this point if Cook is on the move before the 2023 season. The 27-year-old uncertain future makes his fantasy value this summer very volatile, while Alexander Mattison's becomes much more attractive. Cook had shoulder surgery back in February but is progressing nicely and should be ready for the start of the new season this fall. He's had four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons, but his uncertain future in Minnesota makes it difficult for fantasy managers to invest.

    May 15 · Source via Minnesota Vikings Dalvin Cook
  • No Timeline On Justin Jefferson Extension

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    Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell reaffirmed the importance of a new deal for wide receiver Justin Jefferson. However, he's unsure when a new contract could be finalized. "I don't know if I'd put a timeline on it," stated O'Connell during a conversation with Mike Florio of Pro Football Focus. "We'll work through that process here over the rest of this spring on into Summer." Jefferson is coming off an explosive year, finishing 2022-23 with 1,809 yards and eight touchdowns off 128 catches. He also added another score on the run. Without question, the 24-year-old will be the top fantasy selection in many drafts heading into the season. Considering he's had a year to learn O'Connell's system, he may be even more potent.

    May 13 · Source via Minnesota Vikings Justin Jefferson
  • Za'Darius Smith Traded To Cleveland

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    The Vikings traded linebacker Za'Darius Smith to the Browns on Friday. The 30-year-old appeared in 16 games for the Vikings last season, totaling 44 tackles and 10 sacks. However, he requested a trade a few months ago, with his tenure in Minnesota now ending after just one season. Smith is set to hit free agency next offseason. But for now, he joins Myles Garrett to comprise a potent pass-rushing attack for the 2023-24 campaign.

    May 13 · Source via Cleveland Browns Minnesota Vikings Myles Garrett Za'Darius Smith
  • Vikings Likely To Move On From Dalvin Cook

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    "All signs point to" the Minnesota Vikings moving on from running back Dalvin Cook, according to ESPN's Dianna Russini. Cook is recovering from shoulder surgery that he had back in February, and his rehab could cause him to miss organized team activities this month. The 27-year-old has dealt with shoulder injuries off and on since 2019, although he started in all 17 regular season games in 2022 and had his fourth straight 1,000-yard season while scoring eight rushing touchdowns on 264 attempts. He also had 39 receptions for 295 yards and two more TDs. Cook has an $8 million salary cap hit this year, so the Vikings are looking to move on. If Minnesota does indeed trade Cook this offseason, it would seriously boost Alexander Mattison's fantasy value.

    May 11 · Source via Minnesota Vikings Dalvin Cook
  • Jordan Addison Should Make An Immediate Impact

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    Minnesota Vikings rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison is undersized at 5-foot-11 and 173 pounds, which raises durability concerns, but the Vikings wouldn't have taken him in the first round of this year's NFL draft if they didn't think he could thrive immediately. His separation skills at multiple levels will create flexibility for head coach Kevin O'Connell in the types of route concepts he can draw up. O'Connell won't allow defenses to jam Addison to take him away. As long as the 21-year-old pass-catcher stays healthy, he will impact defensive coverages until they can no longer devote all of their resources to stopping All-Pro Justin Jefferson. Addison is in a great situation for immediate production, but fantasy managers in single-year leagues should still temper expectations slightly.

    May 10 · Source via NFL Draft Minnesota Vikings Jordan Addison
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