AFC East rival lingering as dark-horse Dalvin Cook landing spot amid Dolphins interest

However, despite Cook's attraction to a possible return home, another AFC East squad appears to be lurking for his services. 

According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, the Jets "have more interest than most realize" in signing Cook, adding "there’s a net gain to being the team that gets him, since that team keeps him away from the other." 

While the Dolphins and New England Patriots, who lost Damien Harris in free agency, have been the two most prevalent teams linked to Cook this summer, each team in the division has been floated as a destination for the running back to some degree. The Buffalo Bills are in desperate need of a lead back considering their returning leading rusher from last season, James Cook (Dalvin's brother), has just 89 career rushing attempts to his name.  

The Jets, who are looking for insurance to top back Breece Hall, make a world of sense for Cook. Hall is still working his way back from a torn ACL, meaning touches will be there for Cook from the get-go. It also presents an opportunity for the 27-year-old Cook to age gracefully as the backfield would shift to more of a timeshare as Hall begins to recapture his pre-injury form. 

After acquiring quarterback Aaron Rodgers this offseason, the Jets are in win-now mode. Making a play for a four-time 1,000-yard rusher like Cook, who remains on the right side of 30, is exactly the type of move that a true Super Bowl contender should be considering.