Dalvin Cook Contract Drama Could Screw Over Saints With Alvin Kamara

Another year, another running back holdout. This time, it's Minnesota Vikings star Dalvin Cook, who is seeking a new deal after tallying 1,654 yards from scrimmage, including 1,135 on the ground, and 13 touchdowns.

Reports from Adam Schefter claim that Cook is trying to get a deal similar to the one former Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson received, which would pay him around $13 million.

The New Orleans Saints have to be livid about this development, as it probably just became that much harder to pay Alvin Kamara.

As good as Cook is, his receiving ability and knack for making big plays is slightly less refined than that of Kamara. Furthermore, Kamara's role in the Saints offense, where he serves as leading rusher and No. 2 pass option given how he has recorded exactly 81 receptions in each of the last three seasons, is much more significant. Kamara's deal was already likely to exceed that of Cook, and a $13 million floor is not what Mickey Loomis wanted to see.

The 2021 season is going to be completely unprecedented given the amount of star running backs that are scheduled to hit the market. Given the Cook drama and the fact players like Aaron Jones and Derrick Henry keep seeing their values increase, the Saints might be forced to overpay if they want to keep their Swiss Army knife in the picture.