It wasn't that long ago that we were discussing whether or not Vikings star running back Dalvin Cook would be in camp this fall as he pushed for a new, fair contract with the team. But alas, new bargaining chips in the current CBA made it wise for him to report and join his team despite no movement on the contract front.
But would that be it? Would Dalvin be in 100% with the team? Should the Vikings expect him to compete once the regular season begins or would they sweat another holdout threat from the 25 year old RB?
According to Dalvin, there's nothing to be concerned about.
"[The Vikings are] going to take care of its side and I'm going to take care of my side," Cook told the media via Zoom teleconference Friday morning from the team's facility in Eagan, MN. "I walk in this building with a smile because I love being in Minnesota."
Cook is entering the final year of his rookie contract and stands to make upwards of $2 million this season after bonuses. While it's still a decent deal, it's not requisite of the caliber player that he is and the workload that the team put on him last season.
Cook carried the ball 250 times last season and caught 53 passes from Kirk Cousins as well. He was by far the most used offensive weapon and was one of the most productive tools in the team's work belt as well. That's why he and his agent were pushing for more guaranteed money.
But he can't stay healthy. That's the argument from the other side. Playing only 4 games as a rookie, 10 the next year and 14 last year, Cook has yet to prove durability in the league.
"I'm out there full-go 1000%," Cook added Friday. "I'm just going to go out there and work hard every day and I'm going to be ready to play Week 1."