Dalvin Cook is taking his first visit with an NFL team since being released by the Minnesota Vikings, scheduling a workout this weekend with the New York Jets.
Cook, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, was released by the Minnesota Vikings in early June after the club failed to find a trade partner for him. While Cook received immediate interest following his release, he hadn’t taken a visit with a team in over a month.
- Dalvin Cook career stats: 5,993 rushing yards, 1,794 receiving yards, 52 total touchdowns, 4.7 yards per carry in 73 games
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With training camp underway and several of the top remaining NFL free agents now coming off the board, the 27-year-old running back has now lined up his first visit.
According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Cook is flying to New York to work out this weekend. Notably, per Jonathan Jones, a majority of Cook’s visit with the Jets will take place on Sunday.
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Notably, per Pelissero, Aaron Rodgers restructured his contract to help the Jets build a stronger roster around him. After signing his restructured contract, the four-time NFL MVP provided New York with just under $9 million in cap space that it can use to sign Cook.
However, money will still be an important factor in the process. Despite the trend of running back salaries dipping, Cook is still reportedly seeking to become one of the higher-paid starting running backs. He also wants a prominent role in an offense.
While Cook’s first visit is with the Jets, he still has interest from the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins. The Patriots recently brought in Leonard Fournette for a workout, but the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back left without a deal.
In New York, Cook would split touches with Breece Hall and Michael Carter. The Jets intend to ease Hall back into action after he suffered an ACL tear during his rookie season. Carter is primarily a pass-catching back and Cook does have a strong track record on third downs.
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The Dolphins are still widely viewed around the league as the NFL team most likely to sign Cook. However, his upcoming visit with New York could prove to be significant with three AFC East teams all competing for Cook’s services.