Cook Added to Jets' Championship Recipe
The New England Patriots owned the headlines for a couple hours on Monday by signing running back Ezekiel Elliott, but the New York Jets one-upped their AFC East rival shortly thereafter.
The Jets have reportedly reached a one-year agreement with free agent ball carrier Dalvin Cook, according to NFL Network insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport. ESPN's Adam Schefter says the contract is worth up to $8.6 million.
Cook, who was released by the Minnesota Vikings on June 9, made an official visit to Florham Park on July 30. In addition to touring Gang Green's team facility, he watched an open training camp practice and was seen speaking with team owner Woody Johnson on the sidelines.
The addition of Cook brings a four-time Pro Bowler into the mix at running back. The former Florida State star had been the Vikings' primary backfield option for the past four seasons, exceeding the 1,100-yard rushing mark each year.
Cook, the Vikings' second-round draft pick in 2017, has totaled 7,787 scrimmage yards and 52 touchdowns over 73 regular season games. He has a 4.7 yards per carry career average and is also a receiving threat out of the backfield. The 28-year-old has made 34+ receptions each of the last five years.
"The Vikings released Cook for a number of reasons, most notably his $14.1 million cap hit this season. He saw his advanced metrics plummet in 2022 and plays a position that has been largely devalued by the analytics movement," said Will Ragatz, Inside The Vikings editor.
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The signing may also suggest that Breece Hall will not reach full-go status in time for Week 1. The Jets are likely to take a cautious approach to easing Hall back into action after tearing his ACL last October 23.
The Jets continue to add weapons to aid new starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Gang Green signed free agent receivers Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman and Randall Cobb this past spring.
With Rodgers leading the way on offense, the Jets, who owned the NFL's fourth-ranked defense in 2022, are a Super Bowl contender according to SI Sportsbook. At 14-to-1, the Green & White are sixth-ranked favorite on the odds board.
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