Minnesota Vikings: 5 players who could be extended before next season

Minnesota Vikings Player No. 1: Dalvin Cook

If we are taking bets on the Viking most likely to get an extension, all of the money should be thrown on running back Dalvin Cook.

Cook was the centerpiece of the Vikings offense last season, putting up a career-high 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns. With head coach Mike Zimmer’s desire to run the ball and put his electric playmaker into action, the Vikings have been in talks with Cook about a new deal that would keep him in Minnesota for the next four to five years.

But that doesn’t mean it would come without risk.

Cook has missed 17 games over the first three years of his career and has been knocked out early in multiple others due to injury. While the injury bug can be just a case of bad luck, it has to be figured into any potential contract negotiation.

A piece I wrote at Zone Coverage showed that Cook’s value should be in about the $11 million range and if he can stay healthy, he should be able to keep his production up by negotiating a contract before his rookie deal is up. That should mean money in Cook’s bank account and the Vikings locking up their back for the foreseeable future.