Dalvin Cook Signs With The New York Jets

Florham Park, New Jersey (PSF) - Well, this story is finally over. On August 14th, the New York Jets officially signed free agent running back Dalvin Cook to a one-year deal. This doesn’t come as a shock due to Cook visiting the Jets earlier this summer. Many thought the Jets would get the deal done there but both parties could not come to an agreement. The confirmed deal is worth up to $8.6 million.

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I personally love this deal for both sides. The Jets get a running back under thirty years old, an explosive playmaker, and a contract that doesn’t hurt the organization financially. From Cook’s perspective, this is also a great move. Cook gets to play with a playoff-caliber team, is playing in a bigger market, and will be sharing carries with two backs to relieve pressure off his body.

Breece Hall and Michael Carter are the two running backs sharing carries with Cook, both players are young and have an upside, especially Hall. Hall is coming off an ACL tear that occurred in October, thankfully, there is hope for the second year back this season. As of August 16th, Hall took his first live reps since getting hurt. Even better news, he is expected to be ready for Week 1. Don’t sleep on Carter either, he’s a solid back as well. It will be interesting to see how this backfield shapes up as the season goes on. I expect Cook and Hall to split carries, Carter will come in on occasional third down plays or if another back is fatigued.

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Overall, this move was a great signing for the New York Jets. The team added another body to an already solid backfield while simultaneously getting a player that is as good if not better than their previous starter. Cook gets a change of scenery as well, he will now be playing with previous rival now friend in quarterback Aaron Rodgers. I still think the Jets will be a wildcard team strictly due to how competitive the AFC is shaping out to be. Though I see them making the wildcard, this team could upset an opponent on the road depending on how both teams match up. If you weren’t high on the Jets before, this should give you a reason to have a little more belief going into the season.