Stephen A. Smith believes Dalvin Cook’s loss will impact Kirk Cousins’ Vikings’ chances in the NFC North

Cook has showed his support for the running backs in the league.

Stephen A. Smith believes Dalvin Cook’s loss will impact Kirk Cousins’ Vikings’ chances in the NFC North

(L) Dalvin Cook (M) Kirk Cousins and (R) Stephen A. Smith (Image credit: Vikings Age/ ESPN)

The buzz in Minnesota is not dying down anytime soon, as the Vikings are preparing for a life without Dalvin Cook. After four consecutive seasons with more than 1,000 rushing yards under his belt, Cook is looking for a new home. Stephen A. Smith speculates that his absence will have a much greater impact on quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Stephen A. Smith, in a recent segment of ESPN’s First Take, claimed difficult times are ahead of the Netflix-renowned Quarterback Cousins. He fears the loss may even force the team to make changes in their signal-caller’s approach.

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“I think Dalvin Cook is going to be a huge loss,” Smith claimed. “We know what Cousins meant to Justin Jefferson last year,” but without Cook, “They’re going to force him to go in a different direction.”

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The veteran analyst’s words do have some merit. Most of Cousins’ play last year was either helped by charging wideout Justin Jefferson or the engine of the team, Dalvin Cook. The 27-year-old’s current second in line is Alexander Mattison. But the Viking faithful will be a little wary of the drop in output. Mattinson himself, however, has vowed to fill in the shoes of his predecessor.

Related: Jordan Love’s Packers will win the NFC North despite Aaron Rodgers’ exit, predicts NFL Insider

Dalvin Cook shares his opinion on the running back’s situation in the NFL

Stephen A. Smith believes Dalvin Cook’s loss will impact Kirk Cousin’s Vikings’ chances in the NFC North
Dalvin Cook (Image credit: Star Tribune)

As the teams gear up for the new season, a few players’ futures remain a cause for concern. After the news broke out last week that some running backs would be sitting out after failing to reach an agreement about their contracts, things have become dicey.

Several analysts and players alike have shared their thoughts on the matter. Few even took sides, as they believe the franchises are not paying their defensive ends enough. Free agent Dalvin Cook has voiced his opinion on the situation, as he feels concerned for young backs like his brother James Cook of the Buffalo Bills.

“My little brother is in the NFL and only 23 years old. We’re trying to get this thing going in the near future,” Cook said in an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show earlier this Tuesday. “We’ve got backs in the league that are only 22–23. They deserve a better future.”

Rich Eisen asked Cook about Derrick Henry‘s Zoom call. “We kind of came up with that last week when he started that group chat. Henry (Derrick) started it. You know it’s kind of sad how people think about the RB position. I feel the frustration of every running back around the league. That Zoom call is kind of needed right now.”

The Minnesota Vikings released Dalvin Cook this summer, as his salary cap was about to hit $14.1 million in 2023. Even though the Miami native is still looking for a new home, he’s not short of suitors.

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