Jets rookie running back's strong performance should take Dalvin Cook off their radar
Jets rookie running back Israel Abanikanda should take the team out of the Dalvin Cook sweepstakes after a strong performance against the Carolina Panthers in New York's 27-0 preseason win.
According to data from Pro Football Focus, Abanikanda forced five missed tackles and gained 53 yards after contact, both the best marks among rookie running backs in Week 1 of the preseason.
The Jets flirted with signing Cook, a Pro Bowl talent at running back, earlier this offseason. The running back hinted at a signing being imminent before he met with the team on July 30, but one never materialized.
After New York's win against the Panthers, Jets running back Michael Carter discussed a potential Cook signing and said, "We ignore it. Talk is cheap. Dalvin Cook's a great player... At the same time, we feel like we're great players, too."
No one should argue that point based on Saturday's performances. In limited action, Carter gained 53 yards on six touches. He averaged 4.8 yards on his four carries and had two receptions for 34 yards.
It was the rookie Abanikanda, a fifth-round pick (143rd overall), who was the biggest revelation though.
He had 12 carries for 56 yards and added three receptions for 31 yards. He nearly scored on this highlight-reel run when he hit a Carolina defender with a spin move and gained 27 yards. The play was initially ruled a touchdown, but video review showed he was down inches before crossing the goal line.
Both Carter and Abanikanda are projected to serve as backups to Breece Hall. The second-year back was in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year before an ACL tear ended his season after seven games. When active, Hall had 80 carries, 463 yards and four touchdowns on the ground. He added 19 receptions for 218 yards and another touchdown through the air.
Cook would undoubtedly be an asset to New York, and at the right price, the team should absolutely sign him. But the Jets don't need to pay top dollar for Cook, especially when their rookie is playing well enough to earn touches during the regular season.
The former Vikings lead back is reportedly seeking around $10.4 million this season, money that would be better spent in New York addressing the Jets offensive line.
As long as Abanikanda builds off his outing in Week 1 of the preseason and everyone stays healthy, New York will have solid depth at running back entering the regular season.
Cook's presence is no longer needed. It's time for him — and New York — to move on.
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