When the Vikings commenced with their Alexander Mattison backfield promotion, the Dolphins were believed to be the front-runners for his predecessor. But since Dalvin Cook‘s release, the Jets have been the landing spot other teams have expected.
Cook has said roughly five teams are in the mix, but other clubs have heard the Jets have been the team the veteran running back has wanted to land with all along, Albert Breer of SI.com notes. Considering the Jets also are the only team to have met with Cook, it is safe to call them the front-runners.
The accomplished back is also not seeking a one-year deal to merely re-establish his value in an effort to hit free agency on time next year. Considering where the RB market is and the crowded free agent class that could form in 2024, Cook is seeking a deal that will give him some 2024 money now. The current UFA wants some guarantees for next year, per Breer, though it is not known how much locked-in 2024 cash it would take for Cook to sign.
The Titans gave DeAndre Hopkins a two-year deal last month, but the contract — one with $10.98M guaranteed at signing — will allow them to cut bait fairly easily after this season. Cook, who is entering his age-28 season, may need another team to show serious interest to secure favorable terms from the Jets. As of now, the Dolphins are viewing Cook as a luxury pickup, per ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler.
A Miami native, Cook has spoken with the Dolphins. The team has made an offer as well, but the Jets have stepped up in the weeks since that proposal became known. The team is eyeing Cook as high-end Breece Hall insurance, per Breer, and the pay cut Aaron Rodgers took is probably a significant driver here as well. The Jets missed out on Odell Beckham Jr. due to a strong Ravens offer, but they have added a few veteran free agents on offense. Hall is believed to be on track to return from his October 2022 ACL tear in Week 1, though Cook would allow the former second-round pick a smoother onramp back to action. Considering the Jets’ narrow window with Rodgers, it makes sense they want to cover all bases at the skill positions.
Cook would seemingly have a better chance to be a true lead back in Miami, with no Hall-like presence there. But the Dolphins have made several RB commitments this offseason. They re-signed regulars Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson, along with Myles Gaskin, and used a third-round pick on Texas A&M speedster Devon Achane. While Cook has said he would be a perfect fit with the Dolphins and Fowler adds the team would “love” to have him, Miami does not seem as eager to land him compared to the interest coming from New York.
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