Minnesota’s landmark signing of free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins has been the talk of the NFL offseason, but it’s another Vikings-related deal that may have an even larger impact next season.
Unfortunately for the Vikes though, this one involves a player leaving the team, not joining it.
After four years with the club, running back Jerick McKinnon left the Vikings and inked a four-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers worth $30 million ($15.7 million guaranteed).
While seems like a high price to pay for a player with only 474 carries, 1,918 yards and seven rushing touchdowns over four seasons, try taking a look at McKinnon through the eyes of 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.
In McKinnon, Shanahan sees the type of dual-threat back that he was able to utilize to perfection during his time with the Falcons while coordinating the NFL’s highest-scoring offense. What that means is 49ers fans should expect to see the 25-year-old catch passes at a breakneck pace while also routinely pound the ball between the tackles.
“What is a huge bonus on him is when you talk about the pass game,” Shanahan said at McKinnon’s introductory press conference. “When it comes to separating and beating linebackers and safeties in man-to-man coverage, I definitely think he’s an issue for teams. I think this league, when it comes to third downs and things like that, you move the chains based off of matchups, which allows you to get points in the long run.”
Barring injury, it certainly appears as if Minnesota’s loss will be San Francisco’s gain.
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