The Vikings wrap up a virtual offseason program this week without running back Dalvin Cook, who announced his intent to hold out until he gets a new contract. But there's no question offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak is in Cook's corner.
Kubiak, a former Broncos head coach and coordinator, thought of Super Bowl MVP running back Terrell Davis when asked about Cook and the trend of NFL front offices devaluing the position.
"You're probably talking to the wrong guy there," Kubiak said Wednesday in his first Zoom video conference of the offseason program. "I love running backs. I've had some really good ones in my day. Got a couple world championship rings because of one I'm thinking of in my head right now."
Cook's holdout will continue into training camp without a deal, according to a league source. But because of changes in the new collective bargaining agreement, Cook would need to report to camp on time to earn a fourth credited season and qualify for unrestricted free agency next spring.
Even if the holdout continues, Kubiak said, he's not concerned with Cook's readiness for the opener, scheduled for Sept. 13 against the Packers. The Vikings offense is returning most starters, and Cook had 1,654 yards from scrimmage in Kubiak's system last season.
"Dalvin could teach class. He's that bright and that smart of a football player," Kubiak said. "It's part of the business, and guys like him, professionals like him take care of themselves. You understand they're going to go through things like this and we all want the end product, so to speak, and go back to work, but those things take time."
Cook turns 25 in August and, when healthy, he's one of the NFL's most elusive backs. There are durability concerns: He's played only 29 of 48 regular-season games since they drafted him in the second round in 2017.
Coach Mike Zimmer and Kubiak think alike on the value of Cook and the run game, which Kubiak said he has impressed on newcomers during recent offensive meetings. The Vikings ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing attempts last season and won a playoff game with Cook in a lead role, which Kubiak wants to maintain.