The Vikings are open to keeping running back Darwin Cook through 2023, but funding has proven to be an issue, with the team unwilling to pay the $14 million it owes him this season and Cook unwilling to restructure his deal. Now, days after the Pro Bowler’s release, Cook reportedly has no plans to “settle down” in free agency and, in fact, may be looking to make nearly $10 million a year for his next franchise.
Cook ‘probably the healthiest he’s ever been’ after long-awaited shoulder surgery, looking for a ‘significant contract’ NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero reports “The Rich Eisen Show” this week. Specifically, Cook is unlikely to consider any offers in the $4 million to $5 million annual salary — offers that veterans like Jamal Williams and David Montgomery received in free agency.
instead, According to long-term miami herald reporter barry jackson, Cook “wanted something closer to $10.4 million,” and he could have gotten a base salary from the Vikings in 2023. What if his market turns out not to be interested in paying the money?He’s “willing to wait a while,” perhaps because the team’s backcourt could be hurting NFLfirmly “don’t jump to any (quotes) outside that range”.
According to Pelissero, Cook is open to a one- or multi-year deal after his fourth straight 1,100-yard rushing season, but he’s determined to stay on as the game’s higher-paid RB.
Pelicero said of Cook’s talks with Minnesota: “Throughout the process, there were scenarios where the Vikings would bring back Darwin Cook. … Cook got to a position that he didn’t want to take. The point. Restructuring — he really, never really offered to take a pay cut. But he’s not going to restructure his contract with the Vikings, and he’s not going to restructure his contract to facilitate a trade.
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