Everyone had something to say about Jerick McKinnon's four-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. Many were quick to criticize the 49ers for handing out such a lucrative deal to a player who has been primarily used as a third-down back in his first four NFL seasons.

Mike Zimmer isn't one of those critics.

"I knew he was going to get money," the Minnesota Vikings head coach said during this week's owners meetings. "I obviously didn't know it was going to be that high. But he's a good kid. He's worth it."

Zimmer became Minnesota's coach in 2014, the same year the Vikings selected McKinnon in the third round of the draft. McKinnon accumulated 2,902 yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns during his four seasons in Minnesota.

Before diving into his ability as a player, it's important to note McKinnon's characteristics as a person. Kyle Shanahan has said multiple times that it's crucial to do extensive homework on each player signed during free agency. The nature of the open market is to overpay, and so it's vital to make sure you're bringing in a person who will continue to work and be a positive addition to the locker room.