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Dalvin Cook Rumors: Vikings, RB Had 'Productive' Contract Talks; Nothing Close
May 19, 2020
The Minnesota Vikings and running back Dalvin Cook have reportedly held "productive talks" about a contract extension as he heads into the final year of his rookie deal.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported the update Monday, but he added "nothing is close at this time."
Cook enjoyed a breakout season for the Vikings in 2019. He recorded 1,135 rushing yards on 250 carries (4.5 YPC) with 13 touchdowns across 14 appearances. He added 53 receptions for 519 yards.
His 1,654 yards from scrimmage ranked seventh in the NFL, per Pro Football Reference.
The 2017 second-round pick out of Florida State was productive when healthy over his first two years (4.7 YPC), but he was limited to 15 games during that span because of injuries.
In April, Cook told Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press he considers himself the "best back in the game."
"The things I do coming out of the backfield, the things I do in between the tackles, I block, I pretty much do it all," he said. "I don't have to come off the field. I think some guys just don't do as much as I do, and I think that's why I'm today's [top] back."
Cook added he wanted to remain in Minnesota for the "long term" and downplayed the idea his injury history should impact his next contract, per Tomasson.
"It's all a risk when you give any guy a contract in the league," he said. "He could get hurt the next day in practice. So, it's all a risk. But what if the guy doesn't get hurt and he goes out there and helps contribute to the Super Bowl and he goes out there and balls out?"
Cook, who will count just $2 million against the salary cap in 2020, should be one of the NFL's biggest bargains as the centerpiece of an offense also featuring quarterback Kirk Cousins and wide receiver Adam Thielen.
If the sides aren't able to reach an agreement on an extension, the Vikings will have the option to utilize the franchise tag to keep the dual-threat back from becoming an unrestricted free agent next offseason.