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Report: Dalvin Cook drops asking price after wanting to be NFL's highest-paid running back
Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is believed to be walking back his contract demands. Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Dalvin Cook drops asking price after wanting to be NFL's highest-paid running back

Vikings Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook isn't happy with his current contract situation in Minnesota, and as a result, is prepared to hold out until he gets a "reasonable extension."

Cook reportedly was looking to be paid similarly to Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey, according to ESPN, and was expecting somewhere around $16 million per season. McCaffrey currently is the NFL's highest-paid running back after signing a four-year, $64 million deal in April.

Cook hasn't necessarily been as productive as McCaffrey through his first three seasons in Minnesota, and has reportedly reduced his asking price as a result. The 24-year-old now is seeking a deal worth just under $15 million per season, according to ESPN. If the Vikings were to give Cook that money, he'd be tied with Ezekiel Elliott as the NFL's second-highest-paid running back.

Unfortunately for Cook, Minnesota probably doesn't have plans to pay him anywhere near $15 million per season after offering him just below $10 million per year initially. That offer offended Cook and resulted in him announcing he'd be holding out until he receives a fair offer.

Cook's services should be of top priority to the Vikings following his first season of over 1,000 rushing yards. On top of that, he rushed for 13 touchdowns and added 519 yards receiving.

A few weeks ago, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that both sides had been engaged in "productive" talks, but they weren't close at the time. The 24-year-old is set to earn $1.33 million in base salary in 2020 during the final year of his rookie deal.

Other star running backs have held out in the past, including Elliott, Le'Veon Bell and Todd Gurley -- all of whom agreed to massive contract extensions.

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