The NFL running backs were facing troubles regarding their diminishing values over the years, and elite RBs recently even attended a Zoom meeting to find a potential solution to their situation. Seemingly, the complex landscape is getting easier ahead of the regular season as the top players in the position have started to finalize contracts in the league, and former Minnesota Vikings star Dalvin Cook is the latest one to embrace the good news.
After ex-Dallas Cowboy star Ezekiel Elliott joined hands with the New England Patriots recently, Dalvin Cook is the most recent RB to find his new destination with the New York Jets after flirting with the franchise throughout the offseason.
Jets reportedly sign Dalvin Cook for $8.6M
According to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero Monday’s report, New York and Cook agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $8.6m. The veteran also confirmed the news by retweeting the NFL’s social media post.
BREAKING: Jets signing RB Dalvin Cook to 1-year deal worth up to $8.6M. (via @TomPelissero + @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/q2FyVs74yg
— NFL (@NFL) August 14, 2023
During an interview with CBS Sports HQ of New York’s candidacy before the deal, the RB heaped praise on the Jets saying the former Green Bay Packers legend Aaron Rodgers‘ inclusion to the squad put them at a competitive position in the league.
“You could pretty much put them at the top. It’s a great situation for me, to go play with some great guys, especially Aaron Rodgers, with him being such a high-caliber player that he is. So, it’s pretty high.”
Now, the 28-year-old is going to be added to the Big Apple’s offensive player acquisition list ahead of the regular season including Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Mecole Hardman. His addition to the Big Apple would ease the team’s second-year RB Breece Hall’s situation, who is still working on his way to bounce back from a torn ACL.
Dalvin Cook’s NFL career highlights
After being drafted by Minnesota in the 2nd Round of the NFL Draft as the 41st overall pick, Cook set the team’s rookie record for rushing by recording 127 rushing yards with 22 carries. He later signed a five-year, $63 million contract extension with the Vikings in 2020 before getting released by them in 2023 as they couldn’t find suitable trade offers for him.
The four-time Pro-Bowler ranks third on the Vikings’ all-time rushing yards list behind Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett with 5,993 rushing yards throughout his 73 regular season matchups. Alongside the rushing records, he has 47 rushing touchdowns record as well. The footballer possesses the mark of having 221 receptions for 1,794 yards along with five touchdowns in the regular season games as a pass-catcher.
Dalvin along with A-Rod and other Gang Green players will kick off their season games on September 11 against the Buffalo Bills. It remains to be seen if the veteran can earn the long-time trust of New York by shining brightly on the field.
