4 Vikings who could be gone by the middle of the 2021 season

Dalvin Cook – RB

Dalvin Cook is one of the best running backs in the NFL, and some might even argue that he actually is the best in his position group. Cook is coming off a very impressive 2020 season that saw him gain 1,918 total yards and score 17 touchdowns.

Right before Minnesota’s first game last year, the team decided to give their talented running back an extension. With this deal, Cook is under contract with the Vikings until the 2026 offseason.

Given that Minnesota just extended him, it’s hard to believe that the running back could be dealt before next season’s trade deadline. But if the Vikings get off to a poor start again in 2021, no one’s job is going to be safe.

Especially if one considers this. What if Minnesota switches their offensive strategy to center more around their passing attack after Cook and the rest of their backfield struggles to find much success during their first few games of the season?

If the Vikings get off to a poor start and Cook sees his touches take a dip, he might want to be sent to a team that is more willing to give him a higher workload. Since his contract is pretty affordable and he’ll only be 26-years-old by the start of next season, Minnesota should generate a ton of interest if they place the running back on the trade block.