Before we get into this, let me first say that the Vikings are certainly better with Dalvin Cook than without.
On Monday, it was reported that the Pro Bowl running back would hold out if he does not receive a contract to his liking.
We know that Cook is what makes Minnesota’s offense click, but we also know that paying a running back big money is a dangerous thing to do. Just talk to the Cardinals and Rams about that.
If Cook were to miss time with the Vikings, Minnesota is actually quite well-positioned. Two years after drafting Cook in the second round of the 2017 draft, the Vikings drafted Alexander Mattison in the third round last year. Mattison was impressive as a rookie, running for 462 yards on 100 carries. The team also has Mike Boone, who ran for 232 yards and three touchdowns in the final three games of the 2019 season.
Ameer Abdullah is also a servicable player when needed.
The Vikings likely didn’t add all this depth because they thought Cook was going to hold out, but instead because Cook missed 17 games in his first two seasons.
Regardless, if the Vikings need to play games without Cook in 2020, things could be worse.