'It's My Future!' Dalvin Cook Breaks Silence on Signing as Patriots Wait

"It's a life decision ... for my future. So I'm taking my time and I'm not rushing it and when I make that decision it's gonna be right for me and my family.'' - Patriots target Dalvin Cook.

Dalvin Cook is a rusher who is in no rush with what the free agent target of the New England Patriots calls "a life'' decision'' regarding his coming contract decision.

"I'm just taking my time and being patient with the process,'' said Cook, ppeaking to KSTP-TV at his Minnesota football camp over the weekend. "It's a life decision ... for my future. So I'm taking my time and I'm not rushing it and when I make that decision it's gonna be right for me and my family.''

The Patriots are joined by the New York Jets and the Miami Dolphins in the hope that the "right decision'' for Cook involves them as the three AFC East rivals are reportedly the finalists in the "Dalvin Derby.''

Cook rushed for over 1,100 yards and eight touchdowns for the Vikings last season and was a pivotal performer for a Minnesota team that surprised with a 13-4 record and a playoff berth. But the four-time Pro Bowler was a cap casualty this offseason, cut by a Vikings team that he seems to hint could also end up being in the running for his services ... though the Vikings have through their actions already declined that idea based on his desire to be given a contract that pays him $10 million APY.

"(Minnesota) means a lot to me and my family,'' he said. "They gave me and my family a great opportunity at life ... I got drafted here so they gave me an opportunity to live my dream and I appreciate them for everything they did for me and my family.''

One clog in this process is the legal battle between Cook and an ex-girlfriend who alleges she declined his "hush money'' offer of $1 million after domestic violence allegations were made against him. That conflict began two years ago and the NFL has yet to hand down any decision regarding punishment.

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