Cookin' in AFC East: Why Bills Shouldn't Sweat Patriots' Pursuit of DeAndre Hopkins

In order to keep pace with the talent upgrades in the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills need to sign free-agent running back Dalvin Cook.

The AFC East is one of the NFL's best divisions. And it might be about to get only getting stronger.

This offseason the New York Jets added a guy named Aaron Rodgers. The Miami Dolphins traded for star cornerback Jalen Ramsey. And now, the New England Patriots might be on the verge of landing former All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

Honestly, the Patriots have more need - and more money - for the 31-year-old receiver. Remember, the Bills have owned New England recently, winning the last four meetings by a combined 139-71.

Other than adding edge-rusher Leonard Floyd earlier this week, what should the Buffalo Bills do to counter this escalating intra-divisional arms race?

Sign Dalvin Cook. Why?

Because although Hopkins is on record prior to his release from the Arizona Cardinals as liking the idea of playing with Bills quarterback Josh Allen, Buffalo only has $7 million in cap space. The receiver might command as much as a $15 million a year.

While the Bills should sign Hopkins only at a deep discount, their need for Cook is much more pressing.

The former Minnesota Vikings' Pro Bowl running back is only 27, and is coming off a four-year span of 1,000-yard seasons and 43 rushing touchdowns. The Bills have a plethora of passing-game weapons in Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Dawson Knox and rookie Dalton Kincaid, but they haven't had a 1,000-yard running back since LeSean McCoy back in 2017.

The Bills added Damien Harris and Latavius Murray this offseason, but Cook would immediately become their No. 1 back. Hopkins would only be only No. 3 on Buffalo's receiving depth chart.

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