Jets HC addresses team's interest in Dalvin Cook

Dalvin Cook Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Jets HC Robert Saleh addresses team's interest in Dalvin Cook

By Trevor Woods | Last updated 7/20/23

The New York Jets are full systems go in their hopes of making a deep run in the playoffs this season. They've added QB Aaron Rodgers and wideouts Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman to be more explosive on offense -- and now it sounds like they could be in the running for another big playmaker.

On Thursday afternoon, Jets head coach Robert Saleh was asked about New York's interest in running back Dalvin Cook. While Saleh didn't want to delve into the dollars and cents side of it all and is leaving that up to GM Joe Douglas, he did express admiration for what Cook does on the field.

"With Dalvin, obviously, you never want to say no to a great player," Saleh said. "I'll leave Joe to that one. I know there's a lot of contractual stuff that goes with it, but he's a good one."

Robert Saleh on the Jets interest level in free agent RB Dalvin Cook:

"You never want to say no to a great player...but there's a lot of contractual stuff that goes with it"

pic.twitter.com/Fp2A6IBonN
— Antwan V. Staley (@antwanstaley) July 20, 2023

Cook, 27, has rushed for over 4,000 yards in the past four seasons and has averaged 42 receptions per season during that span. The addition of Cook would bolster the Jets backfield mightily. Breece Hall is currently on the PUP list after a torn ACL injury last season. There's no guarantee Hall will be ready to go in Week 1.

No front office is eager to spend big money on any running back, Cook included. However, money won't be a major issue if New York does indeed want to bring Cook in. Per OverTheCap, the Jets currently have the fifth most cap space at $23.3M dollars.

For a team that's in win-now mode, a savvy veteran like Cook would be a welcome addition to the locker room. Cook would mesh well with Rodgers, especially in the passing game where Cook can make big plays happen or at least be a check-down security blanket.

This is a make-or-break year for both head coach Robert Saleh and GM Joe Douglas. They're in an increasingly tough AFC East and now the expectation is championship or bust with Rodgers as QB1. If Cook can even marginally help the Jets accomplish that lofty goal, they'd be wise to sign him soon.

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