Will Dalvin Cook’s injury history keep him from getting traded?

The Minnesota Vikings Dalvin Cook played most of the 2022 season with a harness after reaggravating his left shoulder injury. But the four-time pro bowler still ran for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns, which is his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season.

After the New York Giants eliminated the Vikings in the NFC’s wildcard round, Cook decided to get surgery on his injured labrum. This was Cook’s third surgery on his left shoulder; he underwent surgery to repair his left front labrum in high school (before 2014) and had surgery on the back of his labrum in 2016.

On Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media said, “shoulder is much more stable than it had been, and he is on his way to 100 percent recovery.”

According to the Pro Football Docs, Cook opting for surgery should help him return to being a 3-down back and cut his fumbles down significantly. 

Furthermore, Cook’s pass protection might have the most significant positive impact after getting surgery.

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins will be smiling at that one.

Since Cook underwent shoulder surgery on Feb. 14, he’s expected to be ready for the start of training camp in late July.

Trade rumors

But even though the 27-year-old looks to have an uptake in production, he’s still been rumored to be on the trading block.

The Vikings are looking to shed cap space, and Cook has a $14.1 million cap hit, which is the fourth-highest on the team.

He’s been rumored to play for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, and Baltimore Ravens.

Cook might be the perfect post-draft trade candidate!