The NY Jets might be on the verge of signing Dalvin Cook
By Justin Fried
Four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook is set to visit with the NY Jets this weekend, and if all goes according to plan, the belief appears to be that a deal will be reached.
Cook appeared on Good Morning Football on Friday and was asked what the odds were that he signed with the Jets. Without hesitation, Cook replied, "I think they’re pretty high, man."
Cook is meeting with the Jets later today to take a physical and discuss his contract demands. He's also set to meet with the Jets on Sunday. While the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots remain in the mix, Cook appears to favor the Jets.
Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda reported on Friday that "The belief around the league is [the Jets] will sign [Cook] before the weekend is over." It seems likely that Cook will end up a member of the New York Jets within a few days, possibly as soon as today.
Dalvin Cook would provide much-needed running back depth for the NY Jets
It's easy to see why the Jets are interested in Cook. The soon-to-be 28-year-old running back has rushed for over 1,100 yards in each of the last four seasons and has been one of the best players at his position for the last half-decade.
His efficiency has declined significantly — he ranked dead last in the NFL in RYOE (rushing yards over expected) last season — but his experience and production make him valuable.
Breece Hall is still working his way back from a torn ACL, and even though the Jets are optimistic that he'll be ready for Week 1, they would prefer to ease him back into action. That means the other running backs on the roster could see a larger workload early in the season.
The likes of Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight failed to impress in Hall's absence last year, and fifth-round rookie Israel Abanikanda is unproven. The Jets want a reliable backup behind Hall, and Cook would give them just that.
There are concerns about Cook's shoulder and some off-field issues that need to be cleaned up, but neither appears to be dissuading the Jets from their interest. If his medicals clear and the visit goes well, Cook seems likely to sign with the Jets.
The Jets have become a destination for veterans to ring chase. Dalvin Cook appears to be the next member of that growing list of ring chasers.