Aaron Rodgers isn’t the only former NFC North star joining the New York Jets backfield this season.
Four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook will sign a one-year contract worth up to $8.6 million with the Jets, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed to USA TODAY’s Tyler Dragon. The person spoke under the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment publicly on the matter.
ESPN and NFL Network were the first to report the development, which brings resolution for arguably the most notable free agent entering training camps.
Ahead of his visit last weekend with the team, Cook struck an optimistic tone on Friday’s “Good Morning Football” that he would reach a deal to his liking, saying the Jets were at “the top of the list” for him.
“I think they’re pretty high,” Cook said when asked about the chances he signs a contract before leaving. “I think we’re in the position of a team that’s building something special, and I want to be part of something special as a player. And I want to add to whatever they got going on. I think the possibility is high, right now, of getting things done.”
Running mate for Aaron Rodgers: Dalvin Cook agrees to deal with New York Jets
Cook quote tweeted the report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, using a green heart emoji.
Cook, 27, was cut by the Minnesota Vikings in June despite coming off his fourth consecutive season of rushing for at least 1,100 yards. His 4.4 yards per carry, however, represented a career low, and he had been due to earn $10.4 million and count $14 million against the salary cap.
Running mate for Aaron Rodgers: Dalvin Cook agrees to deal with New York Jets
Cook told “The Dan Patrick Show” on Friday that there were “about five” teams pursuing him. The Jets, however, stood out due to Rodgers, who on Wednesday agreed to a revised contract and nearly $35 million pay cut over two years that helped create space for the team to bring on another marquee talent.
“It’s a unique situation because I think they’re building something special over there,” Cook said on “Good Morning Football.” “When you look at it, you always want to be around a great QB, you always want to be around somebody you can pick his brain and just learn from. A-Rod is a four-time MVP. So, just being around a guy like that, you can learn a lot more and just develop as a player. That’s what I’m looking to do.”
Starting running back Breece Hall is not practicing with the team as he continues to work his way back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last October. Jets coach Robert Saleh has maintained that any interest in Cook is not a reflection on Hall or the second-year ball carrier’s health.
Running mate for Aaron Rodgers: Dalvin Cook agrees to deal with New York Jets
“We’ll never say no to a great player if it’s an opportunity to present yourself in the right way, so I’m excited about (Cook) and his visit,” Saleh said in a news conference Thursday. “It’s just been able to have a conversation, get hands on him. I know he’s got some things that medically that would have to check out and all that stuff, but again, excited about his visit and a chance to sit down and talk with him.”
