Vikings Completely Blew it by Trying to Lowball Dalvin Cook

The Minnesota Vikings thought they moved on from the drama after trading disgruntled receiver Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills. But now, they're currently dealing with an impending holdout from running back Dalvin Cook, who's looking for a new contract. Many initially pointed the finger of blame towards the now fourth-year rusher, but as it turns out, the Vikings are to blame.

According to Courtney Cronin of ESPN, Minnesota offered Cook a deal that would pay him below $10 million per season.

Courtney reports Vikings' initial offer was below $10M per year, which I'm told Cook and his reps deemed 'disrespectful' given the caliber of player. https://t.co/V0LfHi962a
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) June 9, 2020

Way to go Vikings, you blew it.

Cook is desiring a deal that would pay him like a top-five running back in the NFL. Contradictory reports stated that the running back wanted around what David Johnson ($13 million annually) and Christian McCaffrey ($16 million) currently receive on an annual basis. However, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler shot down the notion of Cook trying to exceed McCaffrey's lucrative deal, which is understandable.

When looking at the annual salaries of a running back, Cook's definitely worth more than what Kenyan Drake ($8.5 million) and Melvin Gordon ($8 million) currently make.

Runningbacks need a union. They need to bargain for 3 year rookie contracts with heavy performance escalators. Until then, we're gonna keep getting Leveon Bell, Melvin Gordon, Dalvin Cook style holdouts.
— Marcus Whitman (@TFG_Football) June 8, 2020

The start of Cook's career was hindered by a torn ACL, but he massively rebounded this past season. In 14 games, he rushed for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns on 250 carries while catching 53 passes for 519 yards.

Cook has been Minnesota's best running back since the departure of Adrian Peterson, and there's no denying it. He's the single biggest reason why the offense thrived last season. He takes the pressure off quarterback Kirk Cousins' shoulders and helps open up the passing game. Without him, they'd never have reached the NFC Divisional Playoffs earlier this year.

Now, in a season of major expectations, the Vikings will have to prepare for a possible reality without Cook due to his holdout, something that could have been easily avoided from the start.