After being connected to Dalvin Cook for weeks on end, the NY Jets finally took the plunge and agreed to terms with the former Minnesota Vikings running back. The contract is only for one year, yet it can pay him as much as $8.6 million with incentives.
Bringing in Cook is already a noteworthy move for an offensive coordinator in Nathaniel Hackett that has been very open about his stylistic desire to run the football with multiple backs, but pairing him with rookie standout Breece Hall has the Jets positioned to make a run at an AFC championship.
With Hall recently being activated from the PUP list, the idea of making a Week 1 return following his ACL tear last season, the Jets are close to unleashing their two-headed monster in the backfield. In a league where running backs are being devalued, having two possible stars like this in one backfield is quite rare.
While there are some dynamic combinations of running backs, it's hard to look at the Jets as anything less than the best such duo in the game. Sporting a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the best young players at his position, this offense is ready to do some damage.
NY Jets have an elite RB duo with Dalvin Cook and Breece Hall
While Cook has the pedigree, Hall will likely be the team's bell cow, with the former Florida State star becoming a complementary backup. A solid receiver and big play threat, Cook can keep the Jets' offense operating at peak efficiency while Hall works his way back to full strength.
While Cook took a step back last season, there are several factors working in his favor with the Jets. On top of the fact that he is no longer going to face stacked boxes due to the threat of the Aaron Rodgers-led passing game, the presence of Hall will help preserve Cook's body and avoid another late-season drop-off.
Michael Carter appears to be much more explosive after a down year last season, Zonovan Knight looks like a quality NFL player, and Israel Abanikanda has been performing very well in the preseason. The fact that these players will all be backups speaks to how lethal Cook and Hall can be.
Cook carries some risk with him, like all running backs of a certain age, but fans have seen the very enticing highs the former Vikings star can provide. 1,000 yards from scrimmage might as well be penciled in already.