Dalvin Cook’s recent visit with the New York Jets has left some in the organization scratching their heads.
The four-time Pro Bowl running back, who is currently a free agent after being released by the Minnesota Vikings, visited with the AFC East club over the weekend but departed without reaching a deal.
In a report on SportsCenter, ESPN’s Jeff Darlington shed light on the situation…
“Well look, bizarre is a good word to use and honestly a sentiment that’s shared by some people that I’ve spoken to within the Jets organization as well. They’re wondering too what exactly are the motives here of Dalvin Cook.”
Darlington further speculated that Cook may be using the Jets as leverage to secure potential offers from other teams. “Is he trying to ramp up potential offers with other teams to get maybe a spot on those rosters? Would the Miami Dolphins be that team?” Darlington questioned.
While not everyone in the Jets camp shares the same sentiment, there is a growing wonder about Cook’s genuine desire to play for the Jets. The possibility of him using the team for leverage has put his intentions into question.
Count fellow ESPN’er Dan Orlovsky as one who believes Cook’s interest in the Jets should be genuine..
"If I was Dalvin Cook I would go to the Jets..
If I was the Dallas Cowboys I'd be calling about Dalvin Cook and Jonathan Taylor"@danorlovsky7 #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/trZNfU5MqO
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) August 2, 2023
The Jets had promising talent in Iowa State product Breece Hall as their lead running back last season until he suffered a season-ending ACL tear after seven games. Hall’s impressive rookie campaign of 463 rushing yards and four touchdowns was cut short, leaving the Jets in need of a reliable rushing threat.
A four-time 1,000-yard rusher like Cook could be a game-changer for the Jets, especially if Hall isn’t ready for the start of the upcoming season. Cook’s impressive career stats of 5,993 rushing yards and 47 rushing touchdowns make him an attractive option for any team seeking to strengthen their ground game.
On the other hand, the Dolphins have long been linked to Dalvin Cook as a potential destination, and he would undoubtedly be a good fit for them. Miami’s leading rusher from the previous season, Raheem Mostert, is now 31 years old and injury-prone, finishing with 891 rushing yards.
Cook is from the Miami area and he would surely be a good fit for Mike McDaniel and the explosive Dolphins.
His release from the Vikings nearly two months ago was part of the team’s cap-saving efforts. He joins a list of star running backs, including Ezekiel Elliott, Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard, and Austin Ekeler, who are experiencing the devaluation of the running back position in the NFL.
Where do you think Cook will end up?
Do you think he’s using the Jets for leverage and deep down wants to land in Miami?