Minnesota Vikings reportedly sign Dalvin Cook to long-term deal
By Dean Jones
Dalvin Cook is now a wealthy man after getting a lucrative deal from the Minnesota Vikings.
The Minnesota Vikings have reportedly agreed on terms to a multi-year extension with their star running back Dalvin Cook.
Just one day before the Vikings are set to take the field in their Week 1 opener against the Green Bay Packers, Cook has reportedly agreed to a four-year, $63 million deal to remain in Minnesota, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network.
This represents a significant leap of faith from the organization and is not too far away from the bumper new contract given to Christian McCaffrey by the Carolina Panthers this offseason. The contract is also reported to come with $28 million guaranteed.
Cook stated earlier this week that he was ready to go into next season without a new contract. But the Vikings managed to get a deal done just in time before competitive action gets underway.
The former Florida State standout enjoyed a sensational 2019 campaign that came with 1.654 all-purpose yards and 13 combined touchdowns. Cook did suffer a chest injury that limited him towards the backend of the regular season. But his level of performance throughout propelled him to the focal point of Minnesota’s offense.
The back has done incredibly well to bounce back from an ACL injury that significantly derailed his ability to contribute early in his career. Cook will be tasked with carrying the load for a Vikings’ offense that lost the services of petulant wide receiver Stefon Diggs this offseason.
This is the security blanket that Cook wanted before the 2020 season. NFL teams have been reluctant to pay running backs their going rate given their short shelf life. But given his importance to the franchise, a new deal appeared in little doubt, even if the Vikings did leave it pretty late in the day.
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Expectations will be high for Cook once again next season after reaching the Pro Bowl last time out. The Vikings have shown a willingness to reward high-performing players with new deals in the past and their former second-round pick can now add his name to the list.