The New York Jets continue to be linked to four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. Earlier on Thursday, it was reported that Cook will work out for the Jets over the weekend.
Now comes this piece of information from NFL insider Tony Pauline indicating that there’s a belief around the NFL that New York will sign the former Minnesota Vikings star before the weekend is over.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh touched on the possibility during a Q&A with reporters from Jets training camp earlier on Thursday.
“It’s really just being able to have a conversation, get hands on him, confirming his shoulder is good from a medical standpoint,” Saleh told reporters.
The head coach went on to call Cook “dynamic.”
From New York’s perspective, signing Cook would make sense. A breakout performer early in his rookie season, second-round pick Breece Hall went down to a torn ACL seven games in. He opened training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. The Jets don’t want to rush him.
Dalvin Cook stats (2022): 1,173 rushing yards, 4.4 average, 295 receiving yards, 1,468 total yards, 10 TD
Cook, 27, was a surprise release of the Vikings during the spring due to a contract stalemate. He’s been among the most consistent running backs in the NFL over the past four seasons, averaging north of 1,600 total yards and nearly 12 touchdowns.
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New York Jets would get more than insurance in Dalvin Cook
Despite some concern over his shoulder, Cook played in all 17 games a season ago. He’s played in 13 games or more in each of the past four seasons after missing a combined 17 outings as a rookie and a sophomore.
Having added future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers to the mix, New York fancies itself as a Super Bowl contender. Signing Cook would be yet another example of going all in.
In addition to Hall, the Jets’ skill-positions include wide receivers Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman, Randall Cobb and Corey Davis.
However, the team is in a pinch from a depth perspective at running back. Former fourth-round pick Michael Carter failed to impress as a sophomore, averaging a mere 3.5 yards per rush in part-time action.
New York will have some competition for Cook should it fail to sign him this weekend. The division-rival New England Patriots are hopeful to bring in the Pro Bowler for a visit. Meanwhile, Cook was linked to the Miami Dolphins throughout the offseason.