With Dalvin Cook in the midst of a holdout, the Vikings are especially focused on signing their stud running back to an extension. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tweets that Minny’s front office wants to “continue to work toward signing” the Pro Bowler.
This isn’t a particularly shocking development; the Vikings have continually been interested in re-signing Cook. However, their initial offer wasn’t to the running back’s liking, leading to Cook’s decision to avoid team-related activities until he received a “reasonable” deal. The 24-year-old’s camp is reportedly seeking a deal that would pay him around $15MM annually, which is a bit less than the $16MM they initially pitched to the Vikings.
For what it’s worth, offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak doesn’t sound all that concerned about Cook’s holdout.
“That’s part of the business,” Kubiak said (via Dane Mizutani of TwinCities.com). “We all understand that. Those guys will do their job. We have to stay focused on our job as a football team moving forward.”
The coach noted that the running back is plenty familiar with the team’s offense, adding that Cook “could teach [a] class” on the system. That sentiment was certainly confirmed in 2019, as the former second-rounder established career-highs in rushing yards (1,135), receptions (53), receiving yards (519), and touchdowns (13).
Meanwhile, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports recently explored a potential compromise between Cook and the Vikings, writing that a three-year deal may make sense for both sides. Using the running back franchise tag as a basis, La Canfora suggests a deal that would pay Cook a bit less than $40MM between 2020 and 2022.
If anyone is overcoming a Cook holdout, it’s Kubiak. Obviously he provides more upside to Mattison but Kubiak knows offense.
La Canfora’s proposition is very sensible imo. Nobody wants to give a long-term contract because of his injury history, but this offer ensures Cook will be compensated at a fair value without an extensive commitment
In this year, what is a holdout?
I love Cook, on and off the field but with the injury history if he isn’t willing to go with a contract described here $40 mil over 3 yrs or around $13 mil/season. You trade him. He’s worth at least a 2nd rd pick and a later rd Maybe deal with the colts and pick up Mack and draft pick(s). His injury history just can’t be ignored. Just business Delvin, you’re an awesome player and a great person.
did cook learn nothing from bell. if the viks are smart they wont buy into this hold out and let him not play.
Lol that’s everybody same ol line you haven’t learn from Bell. Lol bell got paid so yeah they learning
He got paid a lot less than he would have if he just played and he also will likely be cut at the end of the year. Not to mention he looks like a shadow of himself and currently has no shot at contending. So yeah, I guess everyone would want that for their next contract.