Another lengthy wait has ended, and another star has joined the Gotham galaxy.
Dalvin Cook and the New York Jets have agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $8.6 million, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Monday, furthering New York's grand aspirations for 2023 in the process.
Cook, a four-time Pro Bowl running back who was released by the Minnesota Vikings in June, began a visit with the Jets on July 28 after saying earlier in the day on Good Morning Football that the odds were "pretty high" he would sign with the Jets.
Much like the long-anticipated trade for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the Jets' latest marquee addition took a bit longer to come to fruition, but Cook has finally landed in the Big Apple.
The Jets have added their share of Rodgers' former Green Packers teammates (ie: Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Billy Turner) and while Cook doesn't fall into that category, the new backfield mates are certainly familiar with each other after competing in the NFC North for the past six seasons.
Though Cook, 28, was a free agent for more than two months, he still provides the Jets with one of the top backs in the game. He'll head to Gotham with a string of four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons under his belt. New York has not had a 1,000-yard rusher since Chris Ivory in 2015.
The Jets thought they had a surefire 1,000-yard runner a season ago with the emergence of rookie Breece Hall, but the dynamic back's season was stopped by an ACL tear.
Suddenly, a question mark in the Jets' backfield could presumably be answered with one of the best tandems in the league if Cook and Hall, who was activated off the physically unable to participate list Tuesday, can team up at full speed and health.
At the least, Cook's addition should allow Hall to step carefully on his road to recovery. Beyond Cook and Hall, the Jets also house third-year back Michael Carter and second-season rusher Bam Knight, who have showed promise aplenty in the past, as well.
Cook will need to acclimate himself to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's system and knock off any rust, of course. He said last month on GMFB he'd been working out in Florida since his release by the Vikings.
Another concern is Cook's career has been dotted with injury problems, as he played in just 15 games over his initial two seasons. However, it's notable that he played in all 18 of Minnesota's games in 2023 (including playoffs), marking the first time he played a full season. Though Cook's yards per attempt (4.4) were a career low, he still proved to be every part a multi-tool back, able to hit a home run, grind out the hard yards and contribute as a receiver out of the backfield.
The already present excitement surrounding the Jets offense's potential has increased with the addition of Cook -- right along with the hope and the hype.
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