Running Back: Jerick McKinnon, San Francisco 49ers
Contract: Four years, $30 million with $18 million guaranteed
The Minnesota Vikings moved on from Adrian Peterson after the 2016 season, which wasn’t an easy decision for them to make. They did land rookie Dalvin Cook, which at least eased the burden of losing their franchise rushing leader.
However, Cook was lost to injury after just four games, which was a tough blow as he was off to a strong start. Thankfully for the Vikings, they had two backs who could carry the load in Latavius Murray and Jerick McKinnon. While Murray was the official starter, McKinnon got on the field more than enough and was able to shine as a receiving back.
More from NFL
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Chicago Bears HC Matt Eberflus speaks on a number of team issues
- Ranking the top 5 Most Impressive Winning Streaks in NFL History
- Roschon Johnson showing he can be Chicago Bears RB1
- 10 current players bound for the Pro Football Hall of Fame on first ballot
He finished the year with 51 receptions for 421 yards and two scores. Those were career highs, as were his rushing totals of 570 yards and three touchdowns. While all that was great, he shouldn’t have been given the big contract the San Francisco 49ers dished out in 2018.
Paying him $6 million per season was a stretch, and it looks even worse when you consider they also paid Tevin Coleman the following offseason. His contract wasn’t nearly as big but it could be argued that Coleman has had the better career and he netted just a two-year $8.5 million deal with $3.25 million in guarantees.
To be fair, we have yet to see McKinnon in action in the Kyle Shanahan offense as he tore his ACL before the season began. Still, it’s an awful lot of cash to give a guy who has never been a feature back.