Minnesota Vikings star running back Dalvin Cook has thrown down the gauntlet as he positions himself for a contract extension.
Dalvin Cook will hold out without a ‘reasonable extension’
ESPN’s Adam Schefter dropped the following nugget Monday evening, noting Cook is “out” for training camp an beyond without “a reasonable extension.”
“Reasonable” is, of course, up for interpretation. Your idea of reasonable might be significantly different than what Cook has in mind. Set to earn just over $1.3 million in base salary this season, he’s clearly looking to get paid.
Dalvin Cook has put up elite stats
Since recovering from a torn ACL in his rookie season, Cook has done nothing but impress. He has rare breakaway speed in the open field and can take it to the house on any given play.
Appearing in 29 games, the former second-round pick out of Florida State has racked up 3,018 yards and 19 touchdowns from scrimmage.
With that in mind, you have to believe Cook is looking to apply serious pressure on the Vikings. The choices are to ink him to a long-term deal or see his production take a break in 2020.
For the record, Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is currently the richest running back in the history of the NFL. Cook may be looking to get close to that $16 million-per-year average.