Saleh Confirms Jets Cook-ing up Meeting with Dalvin

Former Vikings' running back on his way to free-agent visit with Gang Green

There'll be no practice on Friday or Saturday in Florham Park, but it certainly won't be a quiet couple days at 1 Jets Drive.

New York Jets' starting running back Breece Hall began training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and the team is reportedly considering adding a major reinforcement to its stable of ball carriers.

Multiple sources, including reports from FS1 host Craig Carton and NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, claimed that free-agent Dalvin Cook will visit the Jets in New Jersey this weekend. 

Jets' head coach Robert Saleh confirmed Cook's scheduled visit while speaking to reporters after Thursday's training camp practice.

"We’ll never say no to a great player if it’s an opportunity to present yourself in the right way, so I’m excited about him and his visit," said Saleh.

Cook, a four-time Pro Bowler, was released by the Minnesota Vikings on June 9 after his fourth consecutive 1,100+ yard rushing campaign.

"The Vikings released Cook for a number of reasons, most notably his $14.1 million cap hit this season," said Inside The Vikings editor Will Ragatz in an exclusive interview with Jets Country. "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."

Meanwhile, Hall has progressed nicely throughout his recovery from ACL surgery, but the Jets seem reluctant to burden him with a full workload at this stage. Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight and fifth-round rookie Israel Abanikanda have been jockeying for position on the depth chart behind Hall.

Cook has been one of the most-productive running backs in the NFL over the last half-decade. In 73 regular season games, the 2017 second-round draft pick has totaled 7,787 scrimmage yards and 52 touchdowns.

The hard-running 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.

"He’s dynamic. He’s a dynamic ball carrier," said Saleh on Thursday. "He’s been a dynamic ball carrier for a long time. He’s great in the pass game."

It has been rumored that Cook is seeking at least $10 million for the season. but the free-agent market has not been kind to running backs. Superstar Saquon Barkley settled for a one-year "prove-it" deal with the New York Giants after being hit with the franchise player tag. 

The Jets reportedly have the salary cap space to meet Cook's demands. Gang Green is said to have about $16 million available after completing a new deal with quarterback Aaron Rodgers on Wednesday.

"I know he’s got some things, that medically, that would have to check out and all that stuff, but again, excited about his visit and a chance to sit down and talk with him," said Saleh.

Cook traveled to the airport on Thursday according to his Twitter account. 

Heading to the airport like… https://t.co/YylIfGBIbK

— Dalvin “4️⃣” Cook (@dalvincook) July 27, 2023

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