Dalvin Cook

Details On Dalvin Cook’s Contract With Jets

Dalvin Cook‘s contract with the Jets was reported as a $7MM pact with $8.6MM upside. We’ve now got specific details on the contract from Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, and if Cook is hoping to cash in, he’ll need to stay active and productive.

[RELATED: Jets To Sign RB Dalvin Cook]

As Florio details, $5.92MM of Cook’s contract is tied to him not being on the reserve/suspended list, protecting the organization in case the running back faces NFL punishment stemming from a domestic violence lawsuit. As Florio plainly explains it, the Jets can save more than $400K for each game that Cook misses due to suspension.

Specifically, the $8.6MM upside includes $1.2MM in per-game bonuses (~$70K per game) and $4.72MM in 53-man roster bonuses (~$277K per week). That latter total is paid out as long as Cook is on the 53-man roster (regardless of whether he’s active or inactive), injured reserve, or the physical unable to perform list. That $4.72MM amount is also guaranteed if Cook is released by the organization, although the hypothetical guaranteed money would be void if the running back is suspended.

For what it’s worth, head coach Robert Saleh didn’t sound all that worried about a suspension for his new running back.

“No, we’re not concerned,” Saleh said (via ESPN’s Rich Cimini on Twitter). “We will see how all of that stuff goes, but at this moment we are not concerned.”

Cook doesn’t only have to remain on the roster in order to earn his maximum contract, as $1.6MM is tied to incentives. The RB can earn $400K for topping 1,250 yards from scrimmage and another $400K for eclipsing 1,500 yards from scrimmage. If Cook hits that 1,250-yard mark, he can earn an additional $205K for each playoff win. Total that all up (the $5.92MM in roster bonuses coupled with Cook’s guaranteed $1.08MM base salary), and that results in Cook’s $8.6MM deal.

AFC West Notes: Broncos, Raiders, Samuel

Although their interest in Dalvin Cook appeared to cool early in the long-running sweepstakes, the Broncos did keep tabs on the high-profile free agent. The team continued to look into Cook, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com said during a Rich Eisen Show appearance (video link). Cook has since signed a one-year, $7MM Jets deal. While Pelissero adds the Broncos may look to add another back to a group headlined by Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine, the team is sorting through some options behind the veterans. Second-year back Tyler Badie, rookie UDFA Jaleel McLaughlin and ex-Sean Payton Saints charge Tony Jones Jr. are vying for Denver’s RB3 job presently.

Here is the latest from the AFC West:

  • The Raiders took a few fliers at cornerback in free agency, signing Duke Shelley and David Long and reuniting with Brandon Facyson. None of the trio looks likely to start. Instead, fourth-round pick Jakorian Bennett looks to have leapfrogged them. Shelley and Long have fallen out of the mix to start, per The Athletic’s Vic Tafur and Tashaun Reed, who project Bennett to start alongside Marcus Peters and Nate Hobbs (subscription required). Both Long and Facyson have missed time due to injury in camp. The Raiders chose Bennett 104th overall, which would make a Week 1 starting assignment notable. But the Silver and Black, who let Rock Ya-Sin walk (to replace Peters in Baltimore), came into the offseason with major questions at corner.
  • Despite a three-interception wild-card performance, third-year Chargers corner Asante Samuel Jr. faced the prospect of being a backup to start this season. Ja’Sir Taylor, a sixth-round 2022 draftee, has competed with the multiyear starter for the slot job. But Samuel looks to have surged ahead, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper. If J.C. Jackson completes his recovery from a torn patellar tendon in time, the Chargers are preparing to roll out a Jackson-Samuel-Michael Davis cornerback look. If Jackson needs more time, the Bolts would likely go with a Davis-Samuel-Taylor trio.
  • The Bolts are fairly set at receiver, with Quentin Johnston and Derius Davis‘ Fort Worth-to-Los Angeles treks giving the team five locks at the position. In addition to the TCU alums, Josh Palmer has made strides in his third training camp. This looked to put Jalen Guyton and John Hightower to a battle for the final spot, Popper adds. But both players are dealing with injuries. After a strong start to camp, Hightower — a 2020 Eagles draftee who has not caught a pass since his rookie year — suffered an injury and has not practiced in a week. Guyton, who suffered an ACL tear in Week 3 of last season, remains on the Bolts’ active/PUP list. Stashing the deep threat on the reserve/PUP list to start the season is looking likely, per Popper.
  • K’Waun Williams is expected to be the Broncos‘ slot corner for a second season, but an ankle injury has sidelined him for over a week. The veteran slot defender sought a second opinion on the injury recently, per 9News’ Mike Klis, who notes surgery is not on the docket at this point. A rest-and-rehab operation will be utilized to have Williams ready for Week 1, though this becomes a situation to monitor for a Broncos team that remains without third-round corner Riley Moss. Essang Bassey filled in for Williams as the top nickel in Denver’s preseason opener.
  • Davis Webb resides in the strange position of being a 28-year-old quarterbacks coach tasked with helping a decorated 34-year-old passer bounce back. But Russell Wilson‘s position coach has been on the coaching radar for a bit now, despite only retiring this year. After the Bills wanted him to be their QBs coach last year, Sean McDermott, Brian Daboll and Eli Manning endorsed Webb to Payton, Jori Epstein of Yahoo.com notes. Webb “blew away” Broncos brass in his interview, per GM George Paton. His final season — as a Giants third-stringer — involved scouting and coaching, Epstein adds, making this an easier transition than it would appear.

Jets To Sign RB Dalvin Cook

Shortly after the Patriots reached a deal with Ezekiel Elliott, the Jets will finalize an agreement with their long-rumored target. Dalvin Cook agreed to a one-year deal with the Jets on Monday, Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com report.

This wraps a long-running saga for Cook, who has been a free agent for several weeks now. The Jets had loomed as a Cook suitor for most of this span, and while the former Vikings Pro Bowler had been closely connected to his hometown Dolphins, the Jets were the only team to bring him in for a visit. That meeting has eventually produced a deal.

In terms of base value, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio adds this agreement will be worth $7MM (Twitter link). The contract will be worth a maximum of $8.6MM, NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo tweets. Midway through the Jets’ preseason slate, Cook will sign on with the rising team. Aaron Rodgerspay-cut agreement will lead to a high-profile weapon signing on, with the Jets securing an elite Breece Hall insurance option.

While the Dolphins had talked terms with Cook, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com adds they were never on this level. The Vikings will also benefit, with a $2MM offset in place, per ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert (Twitter links). Despite not having a locked-in starter option on Hall’s level, the Dolphins had viewed Cook as a luxury. Mike McDaniel‘s team will stand pat with its re-signed duo of Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson, along with third-round rookie Devon Achane.

Even though the Dolphins were the only known team to discuss a Cook trade with the Vikings, they are standing down. Additionally, the chance to face the Bills twice was also important to the veteran, per Fowler, with younger brother James Cook set to start for the three-time defending division champs.

The Jets have been bullish on Hall’s chances of returning by Week 1, and the New York Post’s Brian Costello notes this Cook addition does not reflect a change in that stance. Hall is still on track for the opener (Twitter link). The 2022 second-rounder suffered an ACL tear during the Jets’ Week 7 win against the Broncos. Cook’s arrival will allow the Jets to slow-play Hall’s return, and it is also worth wondering what kind of rotation will form during the Iowa State product’s first season back from the injury. Cook’s contract points to a regular role, as opposed to a change-of-pace backup, in his seventh NFL season.

Cook’s deal represents a rare 2023 win for backs. Coming after countless setbacks for the RB market, Cook securing $7MM in base value provides him with a parachute after the Vikings cut bait on his $12.6MM-per-year deal. Prior to Monday, none of this year’s free agent backs secured more than $6.3MM per year. While Miles Sanders did see more guaranteed — on a four-year Panthers agreement — the Jets are giving Cook upper-middle-class money on a one-year accord to help their 2023 Super Bowl push.

The Patriots gave Elliott $4MM guaranteed, which is also more than a few starter-caliber backs — including Mostert and Wilson — received this year. Neither Mostert nor Wilson landed $3MM locked in, but the Jets placed a high value on Cook, who will leapfrog the likes of Zonovan Knight and Michael Carter upon signing. The Pats pursued Cook as well, and Kareem Hunt has now visited three teams. But the Jets were not believed to have been interested in the non-Cook wing of free agent backs.

Going into his age-28 season, Cook is riding the NFL’s only active streak of four straight 1,100-yard rushing slates. He has also been an effective receiver at points, though the Vikings did not utilize him in this capacity consistently. The Vikings viewed the explosive back’s contract, which had been agreed to just before the 2020 season, as a luxury they could no longer afford. Minnesota instead re-signed Alexander Mattison to a two-year, $7MM deal that is almost entirely guaranteed. As the Vikings joined other NFL teams in skimping on RB costs, the Jets now have one of this era’s better backs supplementing a recent second-rounder.

While Cook is set to give the Jets a Hall security blanket, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes (via Twitter) he will not practice immediately. Cook underwent shoulder surgery — to fix an issue that had lingered for multiple seasons — in February. But the standout back has never been mentioned as a candidate to miss time because of the procedure. His signing delay and the additional time off needed will allow Cook to skip training camp. Though, it should be expected Cook will be the subject of a few Liev Schreiber-voiced sentences before this year’s Hard Knocks concludes.

Cook helped the Vikings to two playoff berths in this span, giving Kirk Cousins an upper-crust option on which to lean. Rodgers had a strong RB duo in recent years as well, with AJ Dillon joining Aaron Jones over the past three seasons. Should Hall regain his rookie-year form at some point in 2023, Rodgers will once again have a top-end RB duo in place. The Jets have some questions up front, but Cook loads up a skill-position corps that also features Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman and Corey Davis. Once a rumored cap casualty, Davis remains with the Jets on the three-year deal he signed in 2021. The Jets turned the Quinnen Williams extension into cap space, with Rodgers agreeing to trim his guarantee total in order to help fit in vets like Cook.

The Jets would still have the option of placing Hall on the reserve/PUP list, which would allow him an onramp — in the form of a four-game absence — into his second season. That would be a bit of a surprise, though, even considering Cook’s $7MM payment. But after a highly publicized free agency stay, Cook has joined an expected contender and will have a chance to make an impact alongside Rodgers.

Extra Points: Loya, Goodell, Cook

Texans minority owner Javier Loya has had his tenure with the organization put on hold in the wake of multiple sex crime charges being brought against him. Loya is facing one rape charge, along with five first-degree and one third-degree sexual abuse charge, as detailed by KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.

The charges stem from incidents in May of 2022 in Kentucky. Loya, who is due to take part in a pretrial conference on August 22, has agreed to withdraw from all Texans activities until his case has been resolved. The NFL also confirmed in a statement that Loya has been removed from all league committees.

“Mr. Loya is innocent and has pled not guilty to all charges,” a statement from attorney Andrew Sarne reads. “He unequivocally and categorically denies these allegations and will vigorously defend his innocence. Mr. Loya has voluntarily taken and 100% passed a polygraph test which confirms his innocence and looks forward to being vindicated in court.”

Loya, 53, has been a limited partner with the Texans since their inaugural season in 2002. He faced a civil suit alleging sexual misconduct earlier this year, but it was withdrawn. If Loya is convicted on the rape charge, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

Here are some other notes from around the NFL:

  • News of another contract extension for commissioner Roger Goodell first came out in March. That new deal, which will be three years in length and keep him in place through 2027, has been considered a certainty to be finalized throughout the offseason. A firm timeline for ratification has emerged; Mark Maske of the Washington Post reports (via Twitter) that owners are aiming to agree to the extension during the October league meetings in New York. Goodell has been at the helm of the NFL since 2006, and it is expected that the 64-year-old’s next deal will be his last.
  • Dalvin Cook has generated plenty of headlines this offseason with his high-profile free agency, but his legal situation has also seen recent developments. The 28-year-old was cleared to proceed with a defamation counterclaim in court stemming from the ongoing allegation of assault, battery and false imprisonment made by Gracelyn Trimble. In an update on the situation, Rochelle Olson of the Minneapolis Star Tribune notes that the latter was offered a $1MM payout by Cook. The offer included the condition that Trimble send a letter to the NFL “absolving Cook of wrongdoing.” Trimble has already testified to the contrary, and court filings detailing the attempt to put the case (which began in November 2021) to rest via a settlement could strengthen her argument. Cook remains unsigned.
  • The NFL has updated its personal conduct policy in a way which gives the league wider authority with respect to issuing punishments in a number of situations. That includes adding sexual assault to the list of offenses which can receive heavy suspensions, as noted by the New York Times’ Jenny Vrentas. The alterations come in the wake of Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson receiving what was initially a six-game ban for sexual misconduct alleged by more than two dozen women. The suspension (which was ultimately upped to 11 games) was limited in part by the wording of the league’s previous policy and the precedents set by other violations. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk adds, meanwhile, that the new policy also gives the NFL the power to hand down discipline to players for violations which occurred before they entered the league. Incidents dating back to college, for example, will now fall under the scope of the league when investigations take place.

Jets Still Eyeing Dalvin Cook; Team Has Little Interest In Other RB Additions

AUGUST 10: Outkick’s Armando Salguero notes that Cook and the Jets remain at an impasse financially. The gap between the parties could be as much as $3MM per year, he adds, which would explain the lack of traction on a deal sending him to New York. If Cook holds firm on his asking price, it will be interesting to monitor how willing the Jets will be to match it as time goes by, and if other suitors are prepared to step in if they are not.

AUGUST 9: Throughout the more recent stages of his free agent process, the Jets have been the team most closely connected to Dalvin Cook. A deal sending the veteran back to New York is still possible, but no other veterans at the position are on the team’s radar at the moment.

[RELATED: Patriots Leaning Toward Elliott, Away From Cook]

Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline notes that the Jets still “want to sign” the four-time Pro Bowler. Teams around the AFC East – with the exception of the Bills – have been linked to Cook, who has understandably remained patient while weighing his options. His only visit to date has been with the Jets, though, and he deemed the odds of his high-profile summit producing a deal as being “pretty high.”

The degree to which Cook touted his sit-down with the Jets publicly did not sit well with the team, although interest from other potential suitors has been relatively lackluster. The Miami native is seen by the Dolphins as a luxury add, despite the fact he would likely have an easier path to a starter’s role with his hometown team than with the Patriots or Jets, provided Breece Hall is indeed available in time for Week 1.

Cook is believed to be seeking guaranteed money over two years, which could complicate a Jets deal aimed at making him a high-end insurance policy in case Hall is activated later than expected or struggles to return to his pre-ACL tear form. Notably, however, Pauline adds that New York is not particularly interested in adding a veteran (other than Cook) to its backfield given the options already in place.

Aside from Hall, the Jets also have Michael Carter and former UDFA Zonovan Knight on the RB depth chart. The latter has impressed in training camp, per Pauline, after totaling 400 scrimmage yards on 98 touches last season. Fifth-round rookie Israel Abanikanda has also drawn praise, meaning the Jets can afford to remain patient with respect to negotiations with Cook. Interest still exists for a deal to be worked out on this front, however, and with more than $16MM in cap space, the Jets have the spending power to make a signficant commitment if one is required.

Latest On RBs Ezekiel Elliott, Dalvin Cook

A number of notable names remain on the open market into August, especially at the running back position. The futures of both Ezekiel Elliott and Dalvin Cook remain uncertain, despite the overlapping interest shown in them in some cases.

Elliott has been available since his expected Cowboys release, but he has not seen much of a market after his career-worst performance in 2022. A reunion in Dallas has been floated on a number of occasions during the offseason, with owner Jerry Jones publicly keeping the door open to a deal at a highly reduced rate. The latest reports on the matter, however, pointed to Dallas focusing more on its younger options behind franchise-tagged starter Tony Pollard.

In spite of that, Jeff Howe of The Athletic notes that the Cowboys are still in the running to re-acquire Elliott (subscription required). The team which appears more likely to sign the former rushing champion, though, remains the Patriots. New England hosted Elliott – after conversations between Bill Belichick and Stephen Jones – as one of several established backs they have kicked the tires on, and Howe reports the team is still “highly interested” in him. A agreement sending Elliott to New England would come as much less of a surprise than one with Cook.

The latter has been connected to every AFC East team except the Bills this offseason, including passing interest shown by the Patriots. Howe adds that New England is “almost certainly not going in that direction” with respect to signing the ex-Vikings starter. Cook’s only free agent visit to date has been with the Jets, a team which (like the Patriots) already has an established No. 1 option in the backfield.

The situation is different regarding the Dolphins, but they are not believed to view Cook, a Miami native, as a necessity. That could point Cook back in the direction of the Jets, a team which is in win-now mode as the Aaron Rodgers era is set to begin. Cook is thought to be looking for guaranteed money across two seasons, but no team has appeared enthusiastic about making such a commitment. Elliott, likewise, is unlikely to secure any long-term deal while being brought in to serve as a high-end backup.

Elliott’s and Cook’s fates are not doubt linked, and the RB dominoes will likely fall in quick succession once one makes a decision on their next landing spot. The Cowboys, Patriots and Jets are among the teams to watch closely, but there is still little clarity with respect to how willing those clubs, and others, are to make a sizeable commitment at the position.

Latest On Jets, RB Dalvin Cook

AUGUST 3: As the wait for Cook’s ultimate decision continues, one could be made in the coming days. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reports that talks between Cook and the Jets are “expected to accelerate” after tonight’s Hall of Fame Game. It will be interesting to see how willing New York is to stick to its price point, especially if its interest is as limited as Costello reported yesterday. The Jets’ next preseason contest is August 12, leaving plenty of time for a deal to be hammered out or, perhaps, for different suitor to make a renewed push.

AUGUST 2: This offseason has certainly brought some public free agency derbies. Odell Beckham Jr. and DeAndre Hopkins‘ stays on the market have not quite matched Dalvin Cook‘s for transparency, with the ex-Vikings running back keeping fans abreast of his situation at nearly every turn.

Cook’s Sunday Jets visit became known three days in advance, and a day after it surfaced, the veteran running back made multiple media appearances — on Good Morning Football and on the Dan Patrick Show — to discuss his upcoming Jets visit and to indicate around five teams were still interested in signing him. This process did not go over well with some in the Jets’ building, Brian Costello of the New York Post notes.

The Jets would have preferred this visit not leak three days out, per Costello, who posits the running back likely provided advance notice of the Big Apple trip to convince another team to increase its offer. If that is the case, the Dolphins would seemingly fit the profile of a team Cook is attempting to send a message to via the Jets. Cook is a Miami native who has received an offer from the Dolphins, and he has described a return to Miami as “a perfect fit.”

While the Jets are interested, the visit being leaked well in advance reminds of the Beckham situation. Beckham’s Jets meeting became known days early, and the injury-prone standout’s Aaron Rodgers friendship was discussed often before the scheduled meeting. But the Ravens came in with a $15MM guarantee before OBJ’s Jets visit came to pass. That kind of money will not be thrown around for Cook, but he is not yet a Jet. The four-time 1,100-yard rusher continues to be display patience.

As it stands, mixed messaging is coming out about the Jets-Cook fit. No deal came together during the talented back’s highly publicized visit — one soon set to be chronicled on Hard Knocks (presuming the Jets, who protested their present casting on the long-running HBO show, allow said footage to be aired). They are also believed to view Cook as important insurance as Breece Hall finishes his recovery from ACL surgery. Costello, however, does not get the sense the Jets are overly interested and predicts the Pro Bowl back will sign elsewhere.

While the five-team rundown of Cook suitors has not fully unveiled itself, the Patriots have been the other team consistently connected here. The Pats have brought Ezekiel Elliott, Leonard Fournette and Darrell Henderson to Foxborough, but no signings have taken place. Pierre Strong resides as the most likely Rhamondre Stevenson backup. The team’s persistent inquiries into outside help do point to genuine interest in upgrading behind their starter.

The Jets and Pats fits would involve playing alongside (or clearly behind) an ascending rookie-contract back. Cook has long said he wants to land with a contender that houses a clear RB need. The Dolphins used a third-round pick on Devon Achane, but it might be difficult for the veterans they brought back — Jeff Wilson, Raheem Mostert, Myles Gaskin — to play ahead of Cook regularly. But the Dolphins have not moved much since being the initial Cook favorites.

Teams View Jets As Dalvin Cook Favorite; Dolphins See RB As Luxury?

When the Vikings commenced with their Alexander Mattison backfield promotion, the Dolphins were believed to be the frontrunners for his predecessor. But since Dalvin Cook‘s release, the Jets have been the landing spot other teams have expected.

Cook has said roughly five teams are in the mix, but other clubs have heard the Jets have been the team the veteran running back has wanted to land with all along, Albert Breer of SI.com notes. Considering the Jets also are the only team to have met with Cook, it is safe to call them the frontrunners.

[RELATED: Latest On Patriots’ Cook Interest]

The accomplished back is also not seeking a one-year deal to merely re-establish his value in an effort to hit free agency on time next year. Considering where the RB market is and the crowded free agent class that could form in 2024, Cook is seeking a deal that will give him some 2024 money now. The current UFA wants some guarantees for next year, per Breer, though it is not known how much locked-in 2024 cash it would take for Cook to sign.

The Titans gave DeAndre Hopkins a two-year deal last month, but the contract — one with $10.98MM guaranteed at signing — will allow them to cut bait fairly easily after this season. Cook, who is entering his age-28 season, may need another team to show serious interest to secure favorable terms from the Jets. As of now, the Dolphins are viewing Cook as a luxury pickup, per ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler.

A Miami native, Cook has spoken with the Dolphins. The team has made an offer as well, but the Jets have stepped up in the weeks since that proposal became known. The team is eyeing Cook as high-end Breece Hall insurance, per Breer, and the pay cut Aaron Rodgers took is probably a significant driver here as well. The Jets missed out on Odell Beckham Jr. due to a strong Ravens offer, but they have added a few veteran free agents on offense. Hall is believed to be on track to return from his October 2022 ACL tear in Week 1, though Cook would allow the former second-round pick a smoother onramp back to action. Considering the Jets’ narrow window with Rodgers, it makes sense they want to cover all bases at the skill positions.

Cook would seemingly have a better chance to be a true lead back in Miami, with no Hall-like presence there. But the Dolphins have made several RB commitments this offseason. They re-signed regulars Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson, along with Myles Gaskin, and used a third-round pick on Texas A&M speedster Devon Achane.

Dalvin is a tremendous athlete and football player and has been a productive player in this league. That’s why everyone is looking at him. People would love to have him,” Dolphins GM Chris Grier said during a Sirius XM interview (via the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson). “Whether it works out with us or anyone, we’re just very happy with the group we have and we’re moving forward with that group.”

Grier also went on to praise the above-referenced Dolphins RB quartet, along with holdover Salvon Ahmed. While Cook has said he would be a perfect fit with the Dolphins and Fowler adds the team would “love” to have him, Miami does not seem as eager to complete this signing compared to the interest coming from New York.

Latest On Dalvin Cook’s Jets Visit

By all accounts, Dalvin Cook‘s visit with the Jets went well. However, the free agent running back ended up leaving New York without a deal. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (via Twitter), Cook is traveling home to Florida after spending all day Sunday visiting the Jets.

[RELATED: Jets To Meet With Dalvin Cook]

Per ESPN’s Rich Cimini (on Twitter), Cook “enjoyed” his visit with the Jets yesterday and “there’s still mutual interest” in adding the All-Pro running back to the roster. Cimini also cautions that Cook continues to mull his options before making a final decision. Cook previously mentioned that he didn’t have any other visits on his docket. Josina Anderson adds (on Twitter) that the Jets didn’t “sense an immediate rush from Cook’s side” to immediately agree to a contract.

Interestingly, we’ll soon get an extensive look at Cook’s visit with the Jets. Per NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter), the Hard Knocks crew followed the free agent RB for the entirety of his visit. The first episode of the series is set to air next Tuesday on HBO.

While the Dolphins were initially considered the favorites in the Cook sweepstakes, the Jets have come on strong in recent weeks, with the running back hinting that New York could ultimately be his landing spot. Aaron Rodgersrecently restructured deal opened up a significant chunk of cash, and the Jets could immediately use those funds to lure the long-time Vikings RB.

After his rookie campaign ended with a torn ACL, the door remains open for Breece Hall to be ready to go to start the regular season. Still, the Jets haven’t been shy about adding depth at the skill positions, and a hypothetical Cook signing would likely result in a two-headed monster at the RB position (vs. one of the players emerging as a clear-cut bell cow).

Speaking of Hall, coach Robert Saleh said yesterday that he remains optimistic about the player’s availability for Week 1 (via Cimini on Twitter). The head coach added that Hall could be cleared for practice in a couple of weeks. Hall is currently stashed on the PUP as he continues to recover from his knee injury.

Dalvin Cook Receiving Interest From “About Five” Teams

JULY 29: Cook went on ESPN today to discuss his visit plans prior to tomorrow’s date with the Jets. According to Rich Cimini of the network, Cook confirmed tomorrow’s plans but claimed that, as of right now, no other visits are in the books. He did say that “thing are definitely heating up,” and a Patriots visit has been rumored for a couple days now, so there’s a chance he could be shipping up to Boston in the coming days, as well.

As for the Jets, Cook pointed to their roster as a factor that piqued his interest. The team, the coaching staff, and the prospect of playing in an offense with Rodgers all certainly contributed to his desire to take tomorrow’s visit. It will be interesting to see if he comes away from New York tomorrow with a new deal or not.

JULY 28: Since being released by the Vikings back in early-June, veteran running back Dalvin Cook has been a bit hush-hush about his free agency. Rumors and speculations have come from all over without any hint of how much was true, but today, during an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, Cook informed Patrick that “probably about five” teams have shown legitimate interest in acquiring his talents.

As soon as Cook was released, early speculation was pointed at his hometown Dolphins and the Broncos. It was established fairly soon after that Denver was unlikely to bring Cook aboard. The team apparently felt confident in a 1-2 punch of the recovering Javonte Williams and career-RB2 Samaje Perine. There seemed to be quite a bit of back and forth between Cook and Miami, but in the end, the Dolphins never gave Cook an offer worth taking.

As the weeks rolled on with no deal, two other AFC East teams entered the fold as the Jets and Patriots began to show interest. Both teams have been active in adding new talent this offseason. The Patriots added JuJu Smith-Schuster to their wide receiving corps and seemingly finished second in the DeAndre Hopkins sweepstakes. Adding Cook to a backfield led by Rhamondre Stevenson could be extremely attractive for new Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien.

New York added wide receivers Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman, and Randall Cobb to a corps that already rostered Garrett Wilson and Corey Davis. All these weapons were brought in to provide new quarterback Aaron Rodgers with a strong offensive cast. They do have a solid, if not unproven, group of running backs in Breece Hall, Michael Carter, and rookie Israel Abanikanda. Adding a veteran like Cook could be beneficial for the room, but it certainly isn’t a necessity. Cook is set to visit the Jets this Sunday.

So, who are the five teams? Assuming the Broncos, who ruled themselves out early, aren’t on the list, the Dolphins, Jets, and Patriots should make up three of those teams. The fourth AFC East team, the Bills, was mentioned as a possibility as Cook entertained the idea of playing with his little brother, James, according to Zach Dimmitt of Sports Illustrated.

It’s unclear who the fifth team would be. Our early speculations listed the Ravens, Bengals, Browns, Cowboys, Buccaneers, and Commanders as early possibilities, but no serious interest has been reported from any of these teams. Regardless of who the fifth suitor happens to be, it still seems like there is at least an 80 percent chance that Cook ends up in the AFC East.