AFC East Buzz: Patriots, Jets, Dolphins & more Dalvin Cook rumors
Could a star NFL playmaker be headed to the AFC East? With training camp approaching, the rumors are swirling around free agent running back Dalvin Cook and the interest shown by the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins, and New England Patriots.
Which of these three teams are most serious about the former Minnesota Vikings running back?
According to Henry McKenna of Fox Sports, the Jets are now the frontrunners in the sweepstakes for Cook.
New York Jets could literally run the AFC East with Dalvin Cook
As all 3 teams are intriguing options for the All-Pro running back, the Jets landing Cook would propel them to a series AFC East contender, especially if Aaron Rodgers is rejuvenated and motivated.
But are the Jets really frontrunners or is Cook’s camp just driving up the price and using the competitive nature of these AFC East teams to get the contract he wants.
Jets head coach Robert Saleh is open to the idea of Cook but leaving it up to the front office.
"“Obviously, you never want to say no to a great player,” Salah said in a press conference Thursday. “I’ll leave (GM) Joe (Douglas) to that one. I know there’s a lot of contractual stuff that goes with it. But he is a good one.”"
A very good one who would look lethal in the back field behind Rodgers. With Breece Hall on the unable to perform list to start the season, signing Cook makes sense for a Jets team anchored by defense and running the ball. Even with Rodgers that will be the identity of a Jets squad looking to put pressure on the Bills for that top spot in the AFC East.
How would the AFC East look if the New England Patriots signed Cook?
The Patriots were favorites to land Cook until last week when they brought in Leonard Fournette and Darnell Henderson for tryouts.
That doesn’t mean the interest in Cook has waned, it just means Bill Belichick is weighing other options and most likely, cheaper options.
With Rhamondre Stevenson on the verge of a major breakout season, the Patriots signing Cook would make them a dangerous team in the AFC East. They didn’t land DeAndre Hopkins, but an All-Pro playmaker like Cook would give them the most dynamic ground attack in the division.
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Remember, that’s how the Patriots beat Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills back in 2021 with Damien Harris and Stevenson carving up the Bills’ defense.
Whether it is Cook, Fournette or Henderson, it looks like the Patriots are looking for a running back duo to lead the offense in 2023 with hopes that 2022 draft picks Pierre Strong Jr and Kevin Harris emerge as contributors as well.
Don’t forget the Miami Dolphins in these Dalvin Cook rumors
South Beach is always a prime destination for sports athletes. But beyond the weather, the Dolphins are a team knocking on the door and adding a player like Dalvin Cook would give Miami the best offensive trio in the NFL.
With a defense that got even better with the addition of Jalen Ramsey in the secondary, the Dolphins biggest question mark, the running game, would get a major boost with Cook. Just imagine an All-Pro running back in the mix with duo star pass catchers Tyreek Hill and Jalen Waddle.
Unless Tua Tagovailoa takes a step back, the Dolphins would have a high-powered offense that could make them the favorites in the AFC East.
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With money being a factor for Dalvin Cook, the Jets or the Dolphins are the best bet. The Patriots have the cap space, but with Stevenson approaching big contract status himself, it’s doubtful Belichick would sign Cook to big money unless it’s just for a year.
So, let’s continue to keep our eyes and ears on these NFL rumors rumblings.