MANKATO -- Ryan Cook was back on the field this morning watching the Vikings' walk-through, hours after signing a two-year deal to return.

Cook said he received interest from Dallas, the New York Giants and New Orleans on the free-agent market, as well as the Vikings. "This ended up being the best fit for me and it worked out well," said Cook, a second-round pick of the Vikings in 2006.

The offensive lineman admitted he was getting anxious as camps began to open.

"I was getting nervous for a little bit there," he said. "It's just a hectic period right there. That week time frame [of free agency], trying to cram so much in such a small little window. I'm sure other guys will be champing at the bit like I was but I can't speak for them."

The key for Cook was having patience to wait on the Vikings, who had and have several other things with which they are dealing. "We were in constant contact with them, I know they had some issues with other people coming and going and had some bigger names they were trying to keep in negotiating with [Chad] Greenway and trying to keep Sidney [Rice] and that type of stuff," he said. "And then Donovan coming in. There's a lot of transactions that kind of [happened] but I'm happy to be back."

Cook arrived in Mankato on Wednesday night and began studying the playbook of new offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave. He said the pass protections are a bit more direct and less complicted than the previous system.

Cook continues to be listed at 6-6, 328 pounds by the Vikings but he appears as if he's lost some weight. He explained that he worked hard this offseason to get in better shape and actually gained more muscle mass. He did not lose weight.

The Vikings certainly need versatility on the line, so it remains uncertain where Cook will play as a backup. He ended last season starting in place of injured right guard Anthony Herrera. Cook also has played tackle and center.

"After finishing the season last year at guard, I kind of started to get a little bit more comfortable at that position to be able to take a lot of reps and being able to progress a little bit I thought as the year ended," Cook said. "To pick one position and say I'm most comfortable at one, I'd say that's still a work in progress for me. Just because I've been bounced around so many times in so many other places. So I'm just going to take it step by step and try to work on one position and try to master that."

Etc.

  • The Vikings conducted a walk-through this morning and are hoping that all players can take part in a full-pads practice from 3 to 5:30 p.m. The CBA needs to be ratified for that to happen but that is expected to occur.
  • Visanthe Shiancoe was excited by the fact that he figured Musgrave's system would be beneficial for tight ends, given that the offense was expected to look a lot like Atlanta's. "It's a little better than I expected," Shiancoe said. "I'm excited and I'm just going to stay ready." Asked how big of year he could have if this offense works the way he thinks it will, Shiancoe said: "I'm not saying all that, man. I'm not talking about it. No. It's not about me. It's about being ready for the team when they call my number."
  • A group of NFL on-field officials (in other words, referees) is in Mankato for the next couple of days observing practices and meeting with players and coaches to go over any points of emphasis.