That’s too bad because the Minnesota Vikings play Thursday, as well. And they too could use Anthony Edwards. What am I talking about? You didn’t know? Ant wants to play football. Let’s quickly rewind, for those who may need to catch up.

On the set of a recent ESPN photo shoot, the Wolves’ 21-year-old superstar told Vikings 25-year-old superstar Justin Jefferson that he is very serious about switching from basketball to football. When? Well, he’d only do it if he wins a championship with the Wolves in the next three to four years. What position does Edwards want to play? Strong safety.

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards laughed off by All-Pro

It’s great that Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards has confidence. That suits him well on the basketball court, and has become a significant portion of his persona. The idea he’d willingly attempt tackling Derek Henry is wild stuff though. Of course the Ravens running back had to weigh in on the idea too.

Could @theantedwards_ tackle @KingHenry_2??

The King weighs in 👑 @espn pic.twitter.com/GwWEjvVpZN

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 23, 2024

“Do I think that Anthony Edwards could tackle me? Hell, no!”

Derrick Henry on Anthony Edwards wanting the smoke (Ravens X)

Derrick Henry jokes about Anthony Edwards thinking he can tackle him: “Everybody’s got an imagination.” pic.twitter.com/VPqa7wtAzz

— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) October 23, 2024

“I mean, everybody got imagination. Everybody’s imagination goes, in their head, the way they want it to. I was talking on Marcus’ podcast yesterday. I said we should set up a training camp where basketball players come out here and put these pads on. See if they can really get through it. He’s a tall guy, so at least he ain’t gonna tackle me low.”

More Henry on Edwards (Jonas Shaffer)

I’m not saying Derrick Henry would end Anthony Edwards’ playing career, but I promise running an Oklahoma drill between the two isn’t going to extend it. This can be a hypothetical battle of bravado, but there is just no reason Edwards should ever want that smoke.

Related: When Anthony Edwards Switches to Football He’s Playing Defense

The crossover between Edwards and Jefferson produced the exact excitement it was always intended to generate. That’s great, but for at least the next decade (and beyond) Henry is right in suggesting it should stay imaginative.

Minnesota Vikings potential suitors for Derrick Henry, other running backs

But, that hasn’t stopped them from being linked to some big name running backs already this offseason. And on Monday, it happened again, this time over at PFF, where salary cap expert and former Vikings intern, Brad Spielberger named Minnesota as a potential landing spot for legendary Tennessee Titans running back, Derrick Henry.

Minnesota’s rushing attack was one of the least efficient across the NFL this past season, and they may also be looking to bring along a young quarterback whether or not they keep Kirk Cousins in the fold. This front office may not be viewed as one very likely to pay top dollar to the running back position, especially after they sharply moved on from Dalvin Cook before the 2023 season, but maybe there’s enough of a buy-low opportunity here on Henry.

Brad Spielberger – PFF

Related: Vikings Insider Reveals Team’s Interest in 2024 NFL Draft Quarterbacks

Vikings also linked to Devin Singletary

Henry wasn’t the only person that Brad has the Vikings interested in. He also tied them to Detroit Lions running back, Devin Singletary, who he tags as the less splashy option, should general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah decide not to go all-in on the all-time Titans great.

If he and head coach Kevin O’Connell decide to stick with their Alexander Mattison tag-team approach, Singletary is a more likely addition. Last season, Mattison ran for 700 yards on 180 attempts (3.9 YPC), not ideal numbers for a legitimate RB1.

The Vikings are going to add a running back in some form or fashion, and perhaps they continue to deploy a committee approach with lower-cost options instead of making a bigger splash.

Brad Spielberger – PFF

Obviously, Derrick Henry is a monster name, so any connection he has to the Minnesota Vikings is newsworthy. But even if it doesn’t end up being Henry, there is a lot evidence pointing to Kwesi & Co getting very serious about improving the run game to an extent that KOC feels comfortable to run the ball more often.

We’ll see if better options will make him more apt to run the ball. But having bigger names in the huddle at the running back position should, in theory, make the Vikings’ play caller more comfortable calling for the ball to stay on the ground AND feel more pressure to do so, as well.

Related: PFN Mock Draft has Minnesota Vikings Trading Way Up for QB of the Future

Do these running back rumors mean anything for the Vikings’ future with Kirk Cousins? Eh, not that I see. Derrick Henry will be somewhat spendy compared to other running backs, but he’s still a running back. The Minnesota Vikings have plenty of options that can help relieve salary cap pressure. Even a Henry signing wouldn’t affect their ability to get something done with Kirk, Justin Jefferson or Danielle Hunter.

Welcome to the madness that is the NFL franchise tag deadline. First, it was Anthony Harris who didn’t get his long term money from the Vikings, after failing to agree to terms on an extension this afternoon. Moments later, Tennessee Titans running back, Derrick Henry, did sign long-term.

After the Titans and Henry appeared to be at odds as recently as this morning, the tides seemed to change within hours. All day long, most around the league would have given a way better chance of Harris signing with the Vikings, than Henry with the Titans… Sports are back.

Henry’s fresh new deal is reportedly worth $50 million over four years, with $25.5 million guaranteed. Henry signed a franchise-tag, worth $10.37 million, back in April.

The #Titans and RB Derrick Henry have agreed on a 4-year deal, sources say. For any running back to get paid, it takes a perfect scenario. Both sides worked and it’s happening. That’s two deadline deals. ???

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 15, 2020

Titans and RB Derrick Henry is signing a four-year, $50 million contract that includes $25.5 million guaranteed, source tells ESPN.

In one off-season, the Titans keep both Henry and Ryan Tannehill on long-term deals.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2020

But this isn’t a Titans blog. We’re far from it. Instead, this blog is being written because of the way it indirectly affects the Minnesota Vikings. This deal has huge implications for the team and their ongoing negotiations with “holdout”, Dalvin Cook?

STILL NOT WORTH THE MONEY

As I wrote after Dalvin announced his holdout, the Vikings would be stupid to give him the money he wants. With a $15-16 million/year original asking price (best running back in the league money), Dalvin was asking for way more than the organization was ever going to give him (or what they could even afford). Cook only plays 59% of snaps compared to McCaffrey’s, who did get that money, insane 93% (Lineups.com).

Cook’s asking price is a far cry from what the Vikings are reportedly offering, which is around $8 million per year. A deal like that is much more comparable to Melvin Gordon.

It is even more than what Henry has just signed for. Henry’s deal comes out to be around $12.5 million per year. That is AFTER he was the NFL’s leading rusher in 2019 and has remained healthy his entire career, missing just two games in 4 seasons.

But we live in a world where athletes continually overvalue themselves and have egos the size of the sun. So expecting Cook to just roll over is a fool’s errand.

WHAT’S COOK’S NEXT MOVE?

Technically, Cook can’t hold out of training camp, per the new rules of the CBA. Now, you have real money coming in on the low end for another RB, who is comparable in his usage and importance to his team. The Minnesota Vikings hold just about all of the cards, at this point.

Unless Cook is willing to holdout for actual games this season… his options are limited. Even if that did happen (it won’t) the Vikings have an up-and-comer in the form of Alexander Mattison, who is one of the best backups in the NFL. Look at the 2021 RB free agency class, too…

Dalvin Cook is our best offensive player but it doesn’t make much sense to extend him.

2021 Free Agents

Kamara
Mixon
Henry
Fournette
A. Jones
Hunt
Drake
Mack
Lindsay
Gurley

Combine that with draft + quality backup in Mattison + Cook’s injury history. Can’t sign him. https://t.co/Jw09TyA2mY

— Brandon Mileski (@BMileskiKFAN) June 8, 2020

The deeper you dig into it, the worse it looks for Cook, if he doesn’t come way down from his original ask, which he and his agent have already shown signs of doing.

While I love Dalvin Cook and the potential he brings to the field, the money he originally asked for was ridiculous. He’s also worth more than what the Vikings are valuing him at, with that Melvin Gordon-type offer. The two will likely find a balance in the $10-13 million range, for 3-4 years.

Something like that would keep the Vikings very strong in the backfield for years to come and Cook would land in the top-paid running back tier. Hell, Cook isn’t even in the top-three rated backs in Madden 21! And they ALWAYS know what they’re doing.

Top 10 RBs in Madden 21:

Christian McCaffery: 99
Derrick Henry: 93
Nick Chubb: 92
Ezekiel Elliot: 92
Dalvin Cook: 91
Aaron Jones: 90
Joe Mixon: 89
Saquon Barkley: 89
Josh Jacobs: 88
Alvin Kamara: 88

[via @Maddenschool]— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) July 14, 2020

I think this is the best option for Cook and the Vikings, moving forward. Both parties understand the team is in “win-now” mode and are vying for their first Super Bowl. Dalvin should cash in on what’s available now.

If anything has been learned today, it is that never underestimate the power of negotiations and how closely players keep an eye on those who are getting paid around the league. With Henry’s reasonable signing, things are looking great for the Vikings and I wouldn’t be surprised if negotiations move fast with Dalvin Cook, now.

Jack Kewitsch | Minnesota Sports Fan