Dalvin Cook says “things are definitely heating up” as he attempts to find a new NFL team to play for, with the Miami Dolphins trying to stay in the mix for the running back.
Dalvin Cook from Miami on ESPN: “things are definitely heating up.”
Says he is visiting the Jets to “feel the vibes.” Touts Aaron Rodgers and Jets roster (but doesn’t mention another Jet).
No other visits planned.
Won’t say who he will join if “all things are equal.”
— Five Reasons Sports 🏀🏈⚾️🏒⚽️ (@5ReasonsSports) July 29, 2023
Cook is visiting the New York Jets this weekend and told ESPN he has no other visits scheduled as of now. The 27-year-old earlier said odds are “pretty high” that he joins the Jets, but the Miami native has not yet ruled out the Dolphins, saying a return to his hometown would be a “Cinderella story.”
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
The Jets are viewed as contenders in the AFC East with eyes on the Super Bowl after trading for Aaron Rodgers this offseason. The quarterback also recently took a hefty pay cut that could give them more flexibility to add Cook, who praised the 39-year-old while discussing what makes the Jets an attractive possible landing spot.
Losing out on the running back to a division rival would be the latest bit of bad news for the Dolphins, who reportedly could be without Jalen Ramsey for many months after the star cornerback injured his knee in a training camp practice and had surgery.
The Dolphins opened camp with great optimism and high expectations for their second season under head coach Mike McDaniel. The potential of the offense is giving wide receiver Tyreek Hill “goosebumps,” and the new scheme under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio reportedly has defenders believing they can be a top five unit in the NFL this season.
Cook would bring another dynamic player to a high-speed offense led by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and in addition to wide receiver Jaylen Waddle and running backs Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr. and rookie De’Von Achane.
Mostert has said he would welcome the “bonus” of adding Cook, who has been on the open market since early June, when he was released by the Minnesota Vikings in a cost-cutting move after his fourth straight Pro Bowl selection.
The fact that he is actually visiting a team soon, with NFL training camps getting into full swing, could mean he is finally closing in on making a decision. If the Dolphins indeed remain interested in him, they may have to step it up in order to secure his talents.
