Former Vikings Star RB Dalvin Cook Signing With New York Jets
Former Vikings star running back Dalvin Cook is signing a one-year deal with the New York Jets, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. His contract is worth up to $8.6 million.
It had been looking for a while like this was where Cook would end up. The entire AFC East — including his hometown Miami Dolphins — seemed to be in the mix, but Cook took a visit to the Jets' facility a couple weeks ago and a deal ended up getting done.
After years of competing against Aaron Rodgers in the NFC North, Cook is now teaming up with the future Hall of Famer and four-time MVP. He's joining an offense that not only features Rodgers at QB, but boasts reigning offensive rookie of the year Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, Allen Lazard, and Mecole Hardman at the skill positions. Cook will also be reunited with former Vikings teammate Tyler Conklin, who is the Jets' No. 1 tight end.
Hall, another 2022 draft pick, was off to a great start to his rookie season before going down with a torn ACL in late October. He's still working back from that injury, so Cook figures to lead the backfield to begin the season before eventually splitting time with Hall. If both players are healthy, the Jets might have the NFL's best running back duo.
The Vikings released Cook in June for contract reasons, handing the top spot in their backfield to Alexander Mattison. The 2017 second-round pick out of Florida State missed much of his first two seasons due to injury, but has stayed mostly healthy since 2019 while making four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. He ranks third in Vikings history in rushing yards and fourth in rushing touchdowns.
Over the last four seasons, only Derrick Henry has more yards from scrimmage than Cook's 6,423. Cook's efficiency numbers strangely plummeted last season, but he might be healthier in 2023 after finally undergoing surgery to repair a shoulder issue that has bothered him on and off for several seasons.
The Vikings don't play the Jets this season.
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