Ideal landing spots for Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott and other free agent running backs

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Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) during warmups before a wild card game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1: Dalvin Cook — New York Jets

The Jets are all in on the Aaron Rodgers era, however long that may last. The franchise moved around nearly $35 million in funds by restructuring Rodgers’ contract, paving the way for general manager Joe Douglas to add a few more pieces to the already stout roster. Dalvin Cook could be one of them.

Cook is still one of the most explosive running backs in the NFL — even if the Vikings opted to cut him for salary cap purposes. The 27-year-old ball carrier has four straight 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, with 43 touchdowns in that span. He may not have many years left at an elite level, but the 2023 campaign should still see spectacular play out of Cook.

The Jets employ Breece Hall, one of the most promising young players at running back. However, he is still recovering from a devastating knee injury that cut his rookie season short. Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight, and Israel Abanikanda are exciting pieces in their own right, but none carry the same track record as Cook.

With Rodgers in tow and an impressive stable of pass-catching weapons, New York needs a reliable run game to balance things out. Whether Hall is ready for Week 1 or not, Cook would be a welcomed addition to the offense. You cannot have too much firepower in the AFC.

Dalvin Cook recently visited the Jets, and they remain the front-runners to sign the former second-round pick. Keep your eyes glued because the Dolphins, Bills, and multiple other franchises have been linked to the Pro Bowl talent.

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