Chances of Pro Bowl RB joining Jets gaining steam

Dalvin Cook. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Chances of Pro Bowl RB joining Jets gaining serious steam

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 7/27/23

The New York Jets have seemingly been one of the front-runners to land Dalvin Cook ever since the Minnesota Vikings released the running back in June.

With some help from Aaron Rodgers' recent pay cut, the likelihood of the four-time Pro Bowl joining the revamped offense is reportedly taking a big jump.

Aaron Rodgers took a major pay cut on his new deal, which was structured with a 2023 cap number of under $9M. That gives the #Jets flexibility to build around him … and now the top offensive weapon available is coming in for a visit. https://t.co/rzwqEl4LsZ
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 27, 2023

The Jets have maintained steady interest. As Saleh said the other day, “You don’t want to say no to a great player.” This is real. #Jets https://t.co/XgB2SJ3mqk
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) July 27, 2023

Dalvin Cook will be flying up later today. He’s scheduled to appear on @gmfb tomorrow, followed by a trip over to the Jets’ facility. He’ll be around for the weekend. #jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) July 27, 2023

Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic tweeted Thursday morning that he "wouldn't be surprised" if Cook's visit ended with him signing with New York.

The Florida State product will turn 28 in August and is coming off a 2022 campaign where posted a career-low 4.4 yards per carry, though he still churned out 1,468 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns (eight rushing). His 264 carries and 1,173 rushing yards both had him ranked sixth in the NFL.

The Jets already have 2022 second-round pick Breece Hall lined up as their RB1, but the 22-year-old is making his way back from a torn ACL suffered in Week 7 last season. Hall was electric in his seven games last year, recording 463 rushing yards and four scores on 80 carries (5.8 yards per carry) with 19 receptions for 218 yards and one touchdown through the air as well.

He was placed on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list last week.

Michael Carter is currently slated to be Hall's backup, but he wasn't as effective in his second season in 2022 as he was as a rookie. The 24-year-old's numbers dropped across the board last year, finishing with 114 rushing attempts for 402 yards (3.5 yards per carry) and three touchdowns, while adding 41 catches for 288 yards.

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