Free agent running back Dalvin Cook left the door open for him to potentially sign with the Miami Dolphins despite the “pretty high” odds that he lands with the New York Jets.
Cook said on Friday that he wants to be a part of something special and add to the Jets roster.
Dalvin Cook, via @gmfb, on the odds of signing with the #Jets: "I think they're pretty high, man. I think we're in a position of, you know, a team that's building something special + I want to be part of something special as a player. I want to add to whatever they've got…
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) July 28, 2023
New York recently freed up some salary space that could make it easier to sign Cook after star quarterback Aaron Rodgers took a major pay cut by agreeing to a new deal with the team.
The #Jets signed four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers to a new two-year, $75 million guaranteed contract through the 2024 season, per NFL salary data.
Rodgers had nearly $110M guaranteed remaining on his old deal in GB. He’s taking less for a shot at a ring (or two) in New York. pic.twitter.com/FI6rmtgmAO
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 26, 2023
While Cook seemed to share that he wants to land with the Jets, the star running back didn’t rule out signing with the Dolphins.
Dalvin Cook in studio at @GMFB today (!!!!) before he heads to visit the Jets. But here’s him when asked about Dolphins:
“I’m still weighing my options. This thing is not over. playing for my hometown would mean so much for me, my community, my family, it's a cinderella story.” pic.twitter.com/sDu16lgsCs
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) July 28, 2023
Cook is scheduled to visit with the Jets this weekend, so it’s possible that the Dolphins will know their fate in the sweepstakes for the former Minnesota Vikings running back by the end of this weekend.
Right now, Miami has Jeff Wilson Jr., Raheem Mostert, Myles Gaskin, Salvon Ahmed and 2023 draft pick De’Von Achane as its primary options in the backfield. While all of those players give the Dolphins some solid depth, none of them have the pedigree that Cook has in the NFL.
A four-time Pro Bowler, Cook was released by the Vikings this offseason since the team didn’t want to pay his hefty salary for the 2023 season. Despite that, Cook has been extremely productive in recent seasons, rushing for at least 1,135 yards in every season since the 2019 campaign.
Last season, Cook ended up carrying the ball 264 times for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns. He did only average 4.4 yards per carry (the fewest of his career), but the veteran running back showed durability, playing in every game for the first time in his career.
Cook is a dual threat out of the backfield. He’s made at least 34 receptions in every season since his second year in the league. In the 2022 campaign, Cook had 295 receiving yards and two receiving scores.
The Jets certainly would love to pair Cook with young running back Breece Hall, but it’s possible that the two sides don’t come to terms on a deal, which would allow Miami to swoop in.
The Dolphins and their fans surely wouldn’t want Cook to land in the division, but it’s looking like New York is a likely destination for the Florida State University product this offseason.
