Impending Free Agent Dalvin Cook Could Land in AFC East, Possibly with Jets

Exploring the feasibility of Gang Green adding the former Vikings' star to its RB rotation

© Daniel Bartel-USA TODAY Sports

It's not a dire need, but the New York Jets' running backs room could benefit from adding a proven veteran producer.

After all, starter Breece Hall is coming off ACL surgery and second-stringer Michael Carter wasn't exactly electrifying last year. Then, there's promising rookie Israel Abanikanda, who has yet to play in an NFL game.

Joe Douglas has built a solid stable of running backs, including former undrafted free agent Bam Knight, but the possibility of signing a Pro Bowl talent like Dalvin Cook likely intrigues the Jets' general manager.

The Minnesota Vikings reportedly released Cook on Thursday morning and the seventh-year pro will be free to negotiate with all teams after Friday at 4:00 pm ET.

"The Vikings released Cook for a number of reasons, most notably his $14.1 million cap hit this season," said Will Ragatz, Inside The Vikings editor. "He also turns 28 this summer, saw his advanced metrics plummet in 2022, and plays a position that has been largely devalued by the analytics movement."

In spite of the analytical regression, Cook managed to exceed the 1,100-yard rushing mark for the fourth consecutive season. 

If healthy, the four-time Pro Bowler can still be a game changer, and Cook's addition would allow for the Jets to ease Hall back into action, limiting the second-year player's workload early on in the season.

When it comes to Cook's desired destinations, Ragatz would not rule out the Jets.

"I'd imagine Cook would love to end up in Miami, which is his hometown, or Buffalo, where his brother James plays," said Ragatz. "Beyond those two AFC East teams, I'd imagine he'll be happy anywhere he'd see a sizable role on a team with the potential to contend in 2023 and beyond, which could certainly include the Jets."

The fact that they have approximately $23 million in salary cap space (according to Spotrac) makes the Jets a viable suitor for Cook, who is likely seeking at least $10 million per year.

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READ Vikings Create Cap Space, Future Flexibility by Moving on From Dalvin Cook

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On top of providing insurance at a position with a high injury rate, Cook would give the Aaron Rodgers-led offense a powerful one-two punch out of the backfield.

Cook, who has a 4.7 yards per carry career average, is a pass-catching threat, too. He has made 34+ receptions each of the last five years.

The 5-foot-10 Cook, who was the Vikings' second-round draft pick in 2017, has totaled 7,787 scrimmage yards and 52 touchdowns over 73 regular season games.

An 81-yard TD run highlighted @dalvincook's impressive Sunday 👨‍🍳 pic.twitter.com/wwXfH3uhrt

— NFL (@NFL) November 15, 2022

As for where Cook will wind up, Ragatz says the AFC East rival Dolphins are the most likely possibility.

"If I had to guess, he'll be a Dolphin soon," said Ragatz.

A source has told Jets Country that there's "no way" Miami will add Cook if it means taking on a $10 million salary. It seems as if Cook would have to take a hometown discount to sign with the Dolphins.

Meanwhile, Buffalo may not be a feasible option because of salary cap space. Bills' GM Brandon Beane said the team still needs to clear about $3 million prior to the season.

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