It looks like Minnesota Vikings’ Pro Bowl back Dalvin Cook is going into the 2020 NFL season without a new deal. According to NFL Network, contract negotiations between two sides have broken down in recent days and are unlikely to resume anytime soon.
Cook is currently entering the final season of his rookie deal and was asking for a new contract after a breakthrough season in 2019. Vikings were also interested in locking him on a long-term extension but weren’t willing to meet the 25-year-old player’s salary demands.
Reportedly, Cook is looking to get paid top-running back the money, which would mean getting somewhere between $14 million (Dallas Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott) and $16 million (Carolina Panthers’ Christian McCaffrey) on an annual basis. He believes that he is a focal point of Minnesota’s offense and a constant threat for opponents with his dual-threat ability.
On the other hand, Vikings are cautious about committing big money to Cook, considering that he struggled with injuries in the past and never played full 16 games in a season since entering the league. They are also not in a hurry, as they still have him under control for two years with the franchise tag option.
Cook had career highs all across the board last season, playing 14 games and rushing for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also added 53 receptions for 519 yards en route to Pro Bowl selection.
