The Minnesota Vikings are releasing their star running back Dalvin Cook, in a move that has left many in shock. Though the Vikings are prioritizing trading him first, they have shunned the possibility of re-signing him. Not everyone is happy about this move by the Vikings, especially analyst Rich Eisen, who feels that releasing Cook to save $11 million is definitely not worth it.
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Cook, who has been with Minnesota for six years, was a second-round draft pick for the Vikings in 2017. Though he has been plagued with injuries during his tenure, his performance has been nothing short of extraordinary. In 73 games for the Vikings, Cook has covered almost 6,000 yards, scoring 47 touchdowns and averaging 4.7 yards. These stats are what make this move difficult to understand for Eisen.
Rich Eisen is completely against the Vikings’ decision to release Dalvin Cook
During a recent episode of his show, Rich Eisen spoke at length about how he was confused about the Vikings making such a bad decision. Though he gave credit to Cook’s backup Alexander Mattison, Eisen feels he is not even close to what Cook is as a player. According to Eisen, Cook’s stats make him a vital asset to the Vikings’ roster. One that they cannot afford to lose this year.
“I just don’t get it. I don’t understand why this is the hill on which general managers in NFL front offices and capologists will potentially die on. Because I’m sure Madison can, you know, have a season. But can he run for a thousand yards? I’m sure. Maybe 52 touchdowns over four seasons? Pro Bowl consistency? I guess we’re going to find out… I don’t get the devaluation of the running back position,” Eisen says.
Eisen went on to call this move the latest in a growing trend that concerns him. A trend that sees running backs get paid lesser and lesser as the years passed by. He even played a clipping from a previous episode of the show, where he asked 49ers’ running back Christian McCaffrey the same question. McCaffrey seems to agree with Eisen, and that the running back position is indeed being devalued.
“Somewhere along the line, you know, the running back position has been undervalued, in my opinion, for what they’re asked to do… I don’t know when the value of a yard got diminished… You got backs who had 2000-yard seasons. You’ve had backs who’ve had 750 to 800 yards receiving. And you know a lot of people use the injury argument. But, you know, I don’t know if that’s necessarily valid. When you look at some of the receivers who have been hurt, who still get big contracts,” McCaffrey had said.
Eisen Predicts Cook’s departure could give the Lions a shot at the division title
Eisen is further intrigued by how this move could affect the Vikings’ standing in the division. Aaron Rodgers left the Packers, and the Chicago Bears are still in the process of rebuilding. This means the Detroit Lions are now in a good position to win the division and make it to the playoffs this season, a possibility that the Vikings will not like.
Eisen also criticized the Vikings’ decision to pass on rookie QBs during the NFL draft. He says this will only further hurt them in their quest to reach the playoffs. All the more better for the Lions, who will now be hoping they don’t have to fight for their playoff spot toward the end of the season. Will the Vikings prove Eisen wrong and clinch the division? Or will the Lions get there first?
