With Dalvin Cook’s rookie contract coming to an end after the 2020 season, Minnesota will have to choose between signing him to an extension or letting him walk in free agency.
Cook commands more than $11 million per year on the market, according to spotrac.com. That’s a steep asking price, but I think if the Vikings can structure the deal in a way where there is not a ton of guaranteed money, especially in the later years, then I think it’s beneficial for this offense that they do it.
Cook had his most consistent year in terms of health and performance this season. He had 1,135 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns. However, Cook still missed two games, though one of those games was against the Bears where the reserves played, so it’s possible that Cook would have been active had it been a game with playoff implications. But still, injuries are a problem for Cook and it might be a problem for the Vikings if they give him a big contract with a lot of guaranteed money.
However, Minnesota proved in 2019-20 that the run is necessary in an offense led by Kirk Cousins. It not only takes the pressure off Cousins, but helps him make easier throws with play-action passes.
Cook showed last year that he’s capable of helping lead an offense. The offense greatly improved this year, and much of that can be contributed to running the ball more effectively. I think the running back position has become undervalued to the point where teams think any one will do, or that they will automatically get injured after age 25. I think if the Vikings can get his price tag down a bit, why not sign him?