The team most closely connected to Dalvin Cook is the Dolphins, but they will face competition from within the AFC East to sign the free agent running back. The Jets emerged as a suitor earlier this month, and they remain a contender in the Cook sweepstakes. 
Both the Jets and Patriots were named as teams which have done their homework on the 27-year-old, who has remained patient in weighing his options since being released by the Vikings. New York’s ground game would add considerable experience and pedigree with a Cook signing, along with insurance from an injury perspective with respect to current starter Breece Hall, whose rookie campaign ended with an ACL tear.
When asked about how serious the Jets are in their pursuit of Cook, his agent Zac Hiller confirmed that they represent “a great situation” as a potential landing spot. That came not long after a report from Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk indicated the Jets are “gaining momentum” with respect to their Cook signing efforts (video links via Paul Esden of The Score 1260).
New York currently has $23.1MM in cap space, a figure which would seem to comfortably allow for a Cook signing. However, adjustments to quarterback Aaron Rodgers‘ contract, along with a sizeable extension for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and a potential pay cut for wideout Corey Davis remain on the financial to-do list for the team. When first reported, their interest was thus believed to be cursory, with a drop in Cook’s asking price likely necessary to make a deal possible.
The four-time Pro Bowler is not willing to sign with his hometown Dolphins at the terms currently being offered, however, so a bidding war may be necessary for the Jets to acquire him. Cook has no need to hurry in his decision-making process with some time still remaining until training camps open later this month. By that point, New York may have a clearer picture of their cap situation and therefore their ability to afford him. At this point, though, the Jets are a team to watch regarding what would be another sizeable addition to their offense.
Cook could be a good add but his contract should not be the priority. Quinnen’s should.
rather have him than Davis for what Davis is owed
Cook’s agent Zac “full of crap” Hiller is delusional & misleading his client.
The market and the situation will show them who is in control, and its not them.
Cook would be great on almost any team. The problem is he still wants to land somewhere he can operate as the primary back. Cook is not taking the RB1 role away from Breece Hall if Hall is healthy.
There are only 32 RB1 roles in the NFL. Only about half the teams have a true 3 down back. Most offenses have switched to the 1-2 punch combo of a rotating back field. What Cooks is looking for he already had in Minnesota; a team that let him run or catch on almost every offensive snap.
He was released too late for any team to build an offense around him, he hit the open market after most buyers already made their ‘big’ RB purchases. It’s unfortunate but he is not going to get what he is expecting financially. He obviously loves to play football, he needs to sign a 1 year deal where he can play, and then next year hit the open market at the start of free agency not at the end of free agency. Just a thought.
When you’re in Cook’s predicament and you tell another RB to “break a leg”…you actually mean it.
I’d put Cook ahead of Breece on the depth chart for sure
The Dolphins will F this up like they do everything else
Good thing they already have a full stable of RB’s. Adding Cook would be great (if obtained at a low price) but a luxury addition.
I’ll believe it when I see it. They’re being used as leverage to get Miami to up their offer
Wouldn’t be the first time the Jets were used as leverage.. *cough* Cousins lol.
coughTyreke
I believe MLBTR already reported that Jets advised Davis that if he doesn’t accept a restructure of his contract which would lower his salary, then he’s going to be cut by the team.
Comment was meant for @mookiesboy
Is it possible Cook could be waiting to see if Barkley and Jacobs sit out the season which could help expand his market?
The Jets interest tells us the real status of Breese Hall’s injury and expectations to start the season.