With running back Dalvin Cook reportedly refraining from team-related activities, countless fans and writers have presented their opinions on why the Vikings should or should not extend the Minnesota running back.
Put For The Win’s Steven Ruiz definitively in the do-not-extend camp. Though Ruiz thinks that Cook “is particularly good at executing the zone running plays,” he doesn’t think the team should cough up the money Cook is looking for.
Here’s some of what he said:
“Cook is a brilliant runner and not much more. But there are a lot of talented running backs out there and they will come at a more reasonable price. And chances are, those other running backs haven’t missed 40% of their games due to injury as Cook has through the first three seasons of his NFL career.”
Ruiz also brought up interesting points like how teams don’t load the box for a good running back and that a good runner doesn’t help in play-action passes.
Overall, I still think that the Vikings should work out a deal for Cook. It doesn’t have to be massive, he’s a big part of the offense, and plugging Alexander Mattison or Mike Boone in as the starter isn’t going to bode nearly as well for the Vikings’ playoff chances.
