Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook. Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Jets emerge as surprise suitor for four-time Pro Bowler

By Vinny Somma | Last updated 6/6/23

With speculation of Dalvin Cook's tenure in Minnesota approaching an end, a surprise team has emerged as a potential suitor for the star running back's services.

KSTP's Darren Wolfson appeared on The Mackey & Judd Show on Tuesday, reporting that the New York Jets have joined the slew of rumored teams interested in Cook.

"A new team that I've heard is definitely interested is the New York Jets," Wolfson said. "You look at their running back position situation. Breece Hall we think will be back Week 1. The Jets have enormous expectations with Aaron Rodgers. Well, they could use an upgrade at the running back position."

The Jets are the latest team floated as a destination for the Vikings running back. The Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins have also been linked to the 27-year-old this offseason. The latter "came very close" to trading for Cook in March, per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.

When the Jets went all-in to acquire Aaron Rodgers ahead of the NFL draft, they quickly became one of the few Super Bowl or bust squads in football.

Of course, one of the caveats of trading away multiple early-round picks for a 39-year-old quarterback is ensuring you supply him with an adequate amount of talent around him.

Cook, riding four consecutive 1,100-plus yard seasons, would certainly fit the bill.

The aforementioned Breece Hall is penciled in as New York's long-term answer at running back but is still working his way back from an ACL and meniscus tear suffered midway through his rookie campaign.

Behind Hall, the Jets have Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight and 5th-round pick Israel Abanikanda, none of whom strike fear into defenses like Cook can.

Cook currently holds a $14.1M cap hit for the 2023 season, according to Spotrac. Cutting the four-time Pro Bowler would save Minnesota $9M, while trading him would save them an additional $2M.

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