Vikings: 3 concerns with giving Dalvin Cook a big contract extension

Vikings, Dalvin Cook
Ben Ludeman-USA TODAY Sports

Cook’s production doesn’t match his contract demands

When David Johnson signed his current deal that has him making about $13 million annually, he was two years removed from an All-Pro outing in 2016. He ended up missing all of the 2017 season due to injury, but was still given a hefty contract extension because of his outstanding production the year prior.

In 2016, Johnson had over 2,100 all-purpose yards and found the end zone a total of 20 times. This season essentially earned him the contract he got at the beginning of the 2018 campaign, and it was clear that he didn’t deserve such a large number in the years that followed.

In saying that, Cook asking for that type of money ($13 million per year) may not be outlandish to him, but based off recent history it would obviously be a bold move for the Vikings to fork over that kind of money to him. Like Johnson, Cook has dealt with numerous injuries throughout his NFL career too. But Cook’s productivity last season — his best year as a pro — doesn’t come close to what Johnson showcased in his best year as a pro (2016).

Owners and general manager’s around the NFL learn from the mistakes of other owners and GMs. The David Johnson case is a prime example of why not to sign a back with an injury history, even if he has the talent to be a top-5 back in the league.

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