Assessing the value of C.J. Ham heading into free agency

Ham’s impact on Cook

C.J. Ham’s overall influence on the Vikings was significant when he was on the field in 2019. His presence especially benefitted star Minnesota running back Dalvin Cook.

The former second-round pick had the best season of his NFL career to date on his way to 1,654 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns. Cook’s relationship with Ham had a lot to do with this big contribution, which played a leading role in the Vikings returning to the playoffs.

The deficiencies of Minnesota’s interior offensive line were well documented. Ham provided a fantastic foil for Cook to follow as the lead blocker that formed a large portion of his eventual numbers.

They have a close bond off the field as well and this strong relationship was outlined by Ham midway through last season.

"“We’ve been close ever since he got here. I’ve been in the league one year longer than he has, but I was on the practice squad. His rookie year, at rookie minicamp, that was my first time playing fullback, and it started with him in the backfield. He told me then that he had a fullback in college and he loved his fullback. Right away, I knew that we were going to have a good relationship.’’"

Keeping Ham around would allow Mike Zimmer to keep getting the best out of Cook. It would also provide Kirk Cousins with a formidable blocking presence during play-action calls.

Fullback might be an endangered position in the NFL, but that was not the case for the Vikings in 2019 thanks to Ham’s outstanding level of play.