Packers Fans Have to Love Dalvin Cook Causing More Problems for the Vikings After Stefon Diggs Departure

The Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers are the two clear favorites in the race for the NFC North title, but Matt LaFleur's squad might be on the verge of emerging as the undisputed top dog now that the Dalvin Cook drama has properly kicked off.

Cook, who totaled 1,654 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, is holding out for a new contract that pays him over $16 million per season.

The Vikings thought they solved all their problems when they traded Stefon Diggs away, but the Cook negotiations could be even more troublesome.

Cook, who has already missed 19 games in his first three seasons, was the main catalyst that sparked a change in the Minnesota offense last year, as the unit went from checkdown-heavy and lethargic to explosive and fun to watch. All of that good work might be undone if Cook holds out and starts missing games. As proved last year when the Los Angeles Chargers regressed after the Melvin Gordon debacle, holding out is a good way to obliterate team chemistry.

The Packers and Vikings are so evenly matched that any little advantage or disadvantage could be the factor that gives one team the NFC North over the other. Yes, the Aaron Rodgers-Jordan Love dynamic is going to be an interesting watch in Packers camp, but at least Green Bay's best skill position player isn't threatening to hold out to be the highest-paid at his position after just one good season.