Vikings running back Dalvin Cook may be playing the upcoming 2020 NFL season without a contract extension after discussions between Cook’s side and the team broke down, according to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.
“Contract talks broke off Tuesday between the [Vikings] and star RB Dalvin Cook,” Pelissero reported. “Talks could restart later, of course. But for now, Cook has said he’s focused on Week 1 as he enters last year of his rookie deal, with franchise tag looming in 2021.”
Without an extension, Cook would play this year on a $1.3 million salary before becoming a free agent next offseason. But as Pro Football Talk notes, due to the pandemic and a projected lower salary cap in 2021, signing a contract next offseason could result in a less valuable deal.
The Vikings would also have the option of using the franchise tag on Cook next season.
“Just letting those guys take as much time as they can and get this thing worked out and get a reasonable thing done for me that I’m worth on and off the field,” Cook said last week of talks between the team and his agent, according to Pelissero.
Cook rushed for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns, in addition to 53 receptions for 519 yards last season.
