The Jets have landed free-agent running back Dalvin Cook on a one-year deal, per a report by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The deal is worth up to $8.6 million.
The Jets had been in the mix for a few weeks now on Cook, pretty much since he had been released by the Minnesota Vikings for salary cap purposes. The Jets were hoping to bring in a back like Cook to help add even more strength to the running back room and, more importantly, ease the return of Breece Hall.
With Cook now in the mix, the Jets can take their time with Hall and not have to rush him back as he continues recovery from his ACL injury last October. He remains on the physically unable to perform list and has not practiced yet in training camp.
Cook is on a streak of four consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 yards and a Pro Bowl appearance. Now he gets to work in a backfield behind quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The running back room for the Jets now includes Cook, Hall, Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight, Israel Abanikanda and fullback Nick Bawden. It will be quite interesting to see how the rest of the group behind Cook and Hall plays out as we get closer to final cuts. Five backs, including Bawden, was certainly possible. Could they keep six? Could Hall start the season on the PUP list?
Regardless, the Jets get their man and pull off a strong move with this one. Both sides clearly wanted to match up. It finally happened Monday.