Latest update on Dalvin Cook and NY Jets rumors
By Justin Fried
Dalvin Cook rumors continue to dominate the slow July news cycle for the NY Jets and, in all honesty, the entire AFC East. The latest update indicates that Cook is in no hurry to sign a deal.
NFL Network's Jeff Darlington reported this weekend that Cook has received an official offer from the Miami Dolphins but that he "isn't willing to accept" it just yet. The report indicates that Cook is keeping his options open and is hoping for a better deal.
Cook reportedly remains intrigued by the possibility of signing with the Dolphins, but he's not ready to sign at this time. The four-time Pro Bowler is hoping a better offer comes his way, either from the Dolphins or another team.
Perhaps that other team could reside in the AFC East. The Jets and New England Patriots have both been connected to rumors surrounding Cook, and you can never discount the possibility that he opts to sign with his brother's team in Buffalo.
Cook has received an official offer, but he's not exactly thrilled with it.
The NY Jets have a real chance to sign Dalvin Cook
Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported last week that the Jets were "gaining momentum" to sign Cook this summer. There are many around the NFL who believe Cook will ultimately sign with the Jets.
That said, the Dolphins and Patriots remain very interested in signing the longtime Minnesota Vikings running back. The Dolphins are the only team reported to have offered Cook a contract at the time of writing.
The 27-year-old has an active market, although it's unclear how much teams will be willing to pay for a running back with nearly 1,300 career rushing attempts in the NFL. Cook's stark drop in efficiency last season certainly isn't helping his case either.
Nonetheless, Cook has remained one of the most productive running backs over the last few years. Cook has topped 1,100 rushing yards in each of the last four seasons, making the Pro Bowl each year.
The Jets are in the market for running back depth, with Breece Hall still rehabbing a torn ACL suffered last season. Hall is optimistic he'll be ready for Week 1, but the Jets would love to add some insurance behind him.
Cook is the hottest free-agent running back on the market, which is likely part of the reason why he's in no hurry to sign a contract. He's looking to sign on with a team that gives him a chance to win a Super Bowl, at least according to his own admission.
The Jets provide him with that opportunity, but so too do the Bills and, quite possibly, the Dolphins. This is a situation that bears monitoring as we approach the start of training camp this month.