Dalvin Cook’s reason for choosing Jets revealed

Dalvin Cook. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Dalvin Cook’s reason for spurning Dolphins in favor of Jets revealed

By Vinny Somma | Last updated 8/18/23

When the Minnesota Vikings released Dalvin Cook in June, the Pro Bowl running back appeared destined for a homecoming with the Miami Dolphins. However, when push came to shove, the South Florida native opted to sign with the New York Jets.

Joining "The Rich Eisen Show" on Tuesday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero revealed that while the Dolphins would have "gladly added Cook to their team," teaming up with Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers was too tantalizing to pass up for Cook.

"The Denver Broncos were involved. The New England Patriots made a run at Cook. And again, the Dolphins were involved throughout the process. But what Dalvin wanted was that opportunity to team up with Rodgers," said Pelissero.

Last week, Cook inked a one-year deal with the Jets that could pay him up to $8.6M in 2022.

According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, the Jets structured Cook's contract to better protect themselves if Cook, who is facing a pending domestic violence lawsuit, is suspended this season.

Per Florio, "The deal ties a total of $5.92M to Cook not being on the reserve/suspended list."

As far as on-field performance, the signing further exemplifies the meteoric rise in offensive talent New York has gained over the last two years.

In 2021, the team finished within the bottom seven of total offense (306.4 ypg) and scoring (18.2 ppg). Since then, they've drafted two perceived cornerstones in wide receiver Garrett Wilson and running back Breece Hall, traded for Rodgers and added the likes of Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman and Randall Cobb for good measure.

With Dalvin Cook joining the Jets...

Do they have the best RB duo in the league? pic.twitter.com/Q0AY1z3q9d
— NFL (@NFL) August 18, 2023

Cook, 28, is coming off his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard rushing campaign. His 43 rushing touchdowns over that span are second-most in the NFL, trailing only Derrick Henry's 56.

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