With Dalvin Cook reportedly refraining from team-related activities until he receives a reasonable deal, experts and fans alike have debated what a reasonable deal would be, and whether the Vikings should cave and give Cook the contract he wants.
Pro Football Focus analyst George Chahrouri is one of the latest to jump in the conversation. Chahrouri said the contract situation for Cook is “tough,” considering he’s a good player, but that Minnesota should stay away from giving him a big extension.
Here’s what else he said:
“Dalvin Cook was the sixth-highest-rated running back in the NFL last season, but that was by far the most snaps he had played,” Chahrouri said. “His average target is almost two yards behind the line of scrimmage. That’s not adding value above replacement. So if I’m the Vikings, as hard as it is, I’m staying away from a big extension for Dalvin Cook.”
I think a deal for Cook doesn’t have to break the bank, and he provides more value than players like Alexander Mattison and Mike Bone in the run game. You can read more about why Minnesota should still extend him here.