
Impact of a possible Cook extension?
Dalvin Cook is looking for a contract extension this offseason after a standout 2019 campaign. The Pro Bowl running back has just one year left on his current deal, which is set to earn the former second-round pick just $1.33 million in base salary and count $2.02 million against the Minnesota Vikings’ salary cap.
This is a bargain price for a player that attained 1,654 all-purpose yards and 13 touchdowns last season. Spotrac predicts Cook to command an annual salary of $11.1 million on a five-year $55.9 million deal. Whether the Vikings’ salary cap restrictions can legislate for such a deal remains to be seen, but they are reportedly working towards an agreement.
Any potential extension would have ramifications on Alexander Mattison. The player will be settling for a backup role for the foreseeable future if Cook signs a new contract. Whether that puts his long-term future with the franchise in doubt once his rookie deal comes to an end will come largely down to the way he performs when called upon in the years to come.
Sitting behind a back like Cook has done Mattison’s early development a significant amount of good. This is something that can continue in 2020 and 2021. However, there will come a time in Mattison’s career that he will want to bid for a starting job.
The chances of that coming in Minnesota appear to be slim as long as on the roster and injury-free. Cook has had trouble staying out of the treatment room during his NFL career, so there should still be plenty of opportunities for Mattison to impress.