For weeks there has been speculation that the New York Jets were going to sign free agent running back Dalvin Cook. That move finally came to fruition this week, as Cook agreed to a one-year, $8.6 million deal to join the Jets.
It was yet another move to help the franchise go all-in around quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers was acquired from the Green Bay Packers earlier this offseason as New York sought an upgrade under center. Even if he performs a little above the level he played at in 2022, Rodgers is a huge upgrade for the Jets.
Not only will Rodgers help the Jets on the field, he has been a major help off of it as well. He agreed to a new contract, essentially giving back $35 million and opening up ample cap space for the team to spend.
That decision is one that helped the Jets land Cook. Rodgers said he did it because it was the right thing to do and to ensure that the front office could continue making additions to the roster. Cook is the first addition made with the cap space and Rodgers is ecstatic about the move.
“Yeah, I’m excited about him,” Rodgers told WFAN. “The running back market, it’s been really wild to watch, hasn’t it? Just the devaluation of those guys. … They’re three-down guys, and the running back has to be in the blocking scheme, in the run game, in the pass game. They gotta know check down rules.”
When asked about the running backs feeling the NFL is conspiring against them, Rodgers said he would feel the same in their position. It has been a major topic of discussion as multiple star running backs failed to reach long-term deals with their respective teams or were released this offseason.
The Minnesota Vikings were one of the teams who weren’t willing to pay a premium for a running back, which led to their release of Cook. The Jets are certainly happy they opted to do that, as New York has added another explosive weapon to their offense.
Cook will combine with Breece Hall to make arguably the best running back duo in the NFL. The depth behind them is excellent as well as the Jets currently have Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight and rookie Israel Abanikanda behind them.
With plans to play at least 20 games this season, that depth will be important. Cook has battled through some ailments in recent seasons and Hall is working his way back from a torn ACL, so having the added depth certainly won’t hurt.
