4 reasons why the Vikings might not extend Dalvin Cook

Minnesota should extend Harris instead

The Vikings don’t exactly have a ton of money at their disposal right now. After dishing out big contracts to Kirk Cousins, Adam Thielen, Kyle Rudolph, and Danielle Hunter during the last few offseasons, so they are currently pretty cash strapped.

So instead of investing a ton of funds on a deep position on their roster like running back, why not look to extend a player who is on the rise at a position where it is not as easy to find elite talent at? Anthony Harris is another player whose contract is up after the 2020 season and perhaps it would be wiser for Minnesota to extend him instead of Dalvin Cook.

Harris has worked his way up from the practice squad, to a part-time player, to a very good starter during his time with the Vikings. Minnesota has been looking for a tag team partner for fellow safety Harrison Smith for years and they finally found one in Harris.

Harris has shown great coverage skills, often shutting down the man he’s assigned to. He can also make a play on the ball and he led the team in interceptions a season ago with six.

Another reason why the Vikings should extend Harris before Cook is that their depth at safety is extremely thin. The team doesn’t have an heir apparent on the roster unless one of their late-round rookies can step up.

Minnesota also has to begin to think about life without Smith as he’s starting to get up there in age. The Vikings would be wise to give Harris a long term deal, so they at least have one veteran leader in their secondary after the Hitman puts the eye black on for the final time.

If Minnesota is forced to choose between extending Cook or Harris, the smart move could be to sign the safety. He’s more durable, he plays a position that doesn’t have quality depth, and he is just beginning to reach his prime.