Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook will become the latest star running back to hold out of training camp in search of a new contract extension. While it’s usually the last resort for players, it seemingly became the only reasonable option for Cook after the team’s latest contract offer.
Dalvin Cook felt “disrespected’ by Minnesota Vikings contract offer
After seeing fellow star Christian McCaffrey become the highest-paid running back in NFL history, Dalvin Cook eyed his own massive extension. When the 2019 Pro Bowl selection set his asking price around $16 million, though, the Vikings responded with an offer that set off their star.
Minnesota reportedly offered Cook less than $10 million per year under a multi-year extension early in the negotiations, per ESPN’s Courtney Cornin. The proposal didn’t sit well with the 24-year-old running back, who then decided to take the next step by holding out this summer
“I’m told he’s planning to hold out simply because he felt disrespected by the offer the Vikings put on the table,
Jeremy Fowler said, via SportsCenter (H/T Bleacher Report). “This is a player that believes he’s one of the best at his position, but he wasn’t asking really for Christian McCaffrey money, which is $16 million per year. He would probably take less than that. So they have about a month to try to find a sweet spot before training camp or else he plans to not show up.”
While Cook hasn’t matched McCaffrey’s accomplishments on the field, his resume remains impressive. While he missed most of his rookie season with a torn ACL then five games in 2018, he keeps playing at a high level. Cook’s stats were off the charts this past season with 1,6543 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns in 14 games.
The Vikings will likely need to significantly increase their offer before Cook even considers a deal. He would likely want to surpass David Johnson’s $14 million salary, which ranks fourth among running backs, and could push for almost $15 million per year.
If discussions on an extension don’t go well and Cook holds out into the season, Minnesota likely has a starting-caliber running back in Alexander Mattison. A third-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Mattison averaged 4.6 yards per carry in his rookie season and might thrive in a featured role.