Dalvin Cook Signs Five-Year, $63 Million Extension With Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have re-signed star running back Dalvin Cook to a five-year contract worth $63 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Cook was entering the final year of his rookie contract. He could have been eligible for the franchise tag or free agency in 2021, but the cap-strapped Vikings managed to reach an agreement with the 25-year-old.

Back in June, Schefter reported that Cook was planning to hold out until he received a “reasonable” contract. Three months later – and just one day before the Vikings open up their season against the Green Bay Packers – Cook landed a rather reasonable deal.

Cook is coming off the best season of his career, rushing for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns. He was also extremely productive in the passing game, recording 53 receptions for 519 yards.

For his career, Cook has 2,104 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns and 104 receptions for 914 yards and two receiving touchdowns. He was drafted in the second round – 41st overall – in 2017.

Many will be surprised by the Vikings’ decision to hand Cook a long-term extension. The likes of Todd Gurley, Le’Veon Bell, Devonta Freeman and David Johnson saw their production drop rapidly after signing lucrative deals.

As such, many teams have been hesitant to invest so much money at the running back position.

But the Vikings clearly believe in Cook’s ability to play at a Pro Bowl level for the next five years. Injuries affected him in his 2017 rookie and 2018 sophomore campaigns, but when healthy, Cook is one of the NFL’s biggest playmakers and game-changers.

Cook’s extension caps off a very busy offseason for the Vikings ahead of Week 1. GM Rick Spielman also handed quarterback Kirk Cousins a two-year, $66 million contract extension. He traded star wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills. And finally, the Vikings traded for Jacksonville Jaguars star pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue two weeks ago.

We’ll see if all of these drastic moves are enough to help the Vikings win their first Super Bowl.

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