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.
