NY Jets battling AFC East rivals in pursuit of Dalvin Cook

The NY Jets continue to show interest in four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook, and they're not alone. In fact, it seems as though Cook will eventually end up in the AFC East. The question is, which team will it be?

The Jets have publicly expressed their interest in Cook, and reports indicate that they're one of the favorites. The same could be said, however, for the Miami Dolphins, who remain very much in the mix.

The New England Patriots have also started to emerge as a potential landing spot for Cook, with the team looking to add further depth behind Rhamondre Stevenson. The Patriots remain active in the free-agent market with their pursuit of DeAndre Hopkins as well.

Finally, we have the Buffalo Bills. While the Bills haven't been as heavily connected to Cook as the other three AFC East teams (likely due to finances), they have a need at running back, and Cook could be intrigued with the possibility of playing alongside his brother, James, in Buffalo.

There is a competition between all four AFC East teams to sign Dalvin Cook. Only one will be able to land him, however.

The NY Jets have serious competition to sign Dalvin Cook

It's easy to see why the Jets are interested in signing Cook. The longtime Minnesota Vikings running back has rushed for at least 1,100 yards in each of the last four seasons, making the Pro Bowl each year.

His efficiency may be declining, but Cook has shown that he can still be a productive running back. The Jets could use some extra running back depth with Breece Hall still working his way back from a torn ACL.

The team is optimistic that Hall will be ready for the start of the season, but that's not a guarantee. They'll also likely look to ease him into the offensive game plan early in the year. Signing Cook could take some of the pressure off of Hall.

There's also the added element of signing a player to keep him from joining a division rival. Any of these AFC East teams could improve their own roster and simultaneously prevent their rivals from getting better. That has to be factored in as well.

It seems likely at this stage that Cook will sign with an AFC East team. The Jets and Dolphins seem to have their prices set, per NBC Sports' Mike Florio. Maybe one of those teams offers a bit more to prevent Cook from signing with their rival. Maybe it'll come down to where Cook wants to play more.

Only time will tell, but it does seem likely that Cook will be playing in the AFC East this season.