NFL Insider: Patriots 'Intrigued' by Dalvin Cook; Still Favorite to Sign RB?

As training camp creeps closer, the New England Patriots remain the focus of rumors surrounding both coveted free agents Dalvin Cook and DeAndre Hopkins.

Still no DeAndre or Dalvin. But as training camp tick ... tick ... ticks closer, the more and more it feels as though both former stars could actually wind up New England Patriots.

While DeAndre Hopkins has given no new hints - other than he doesn't plan on retiring any time soon - the rumors about Dalvin Cook's new home continue to point to Foxboro. The Pats are, after all, the favorites to land both of the talented offensive free agents.

During Wednesday's episode of SportsCenter, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler said the Patriots are "intrigued" by the idea of adding Cook.

“My sense after asking around is the Patriots are at least intrigued,” Fowler said. “They have a bit of a need at running back because they released James Robinson, so they want a back they can pair with Rhamondre Stevenson. And Bill Belichick does sense the urgency — that’s why they’ve been on DeAndre Hopkins, too — an urgency to improve that offense.”

Fowler also named the New York Jets as a possible landing spot for Cook, and the Buffalo Bills have also been linked to him since his release in June.

A Pats' offense that drastically regressed under failed play-caller Matt Patricia last season could certainly use the upgraded services of a five-time All-Pro receiver in Hopkins and a four-time Pro Bowl running back in Cook.

New England made two contractual moves the last two weeks - extending both receiver DeVante Parker and linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley - potentially earmarked as salary cap space for both Hopkins and Cook.

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