Is Dalvin Cook dropping hints to Patriots fans?
Two standout NFL veteran free agents have expressed a degree of interest in coming to play for the New England Patriots this season; one a receiver, one a running back. Some may believe they are using the Patriots to gain leverage to sign a lucrative deal elsewhere, perhaps in the AFC or even the AFC East. While most Pats fans may not believe there’s a chance either or both sign with the team, oddsmakers believe otherwise.
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Patriots are the current betting favorites to sign both wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and running back Dalvin Cook. The Pats are the prohibitive favorites for the time being in the D-Hop sweepstakes, sitting currently at -120, while they are tied with division rival Miami Dolphins at +200 to land Cook. Hopkins visited with the Patriots a few weeks ago, had a great visit per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, and reportedly an offer was extended, though no terms were ever confirmed. The five-time Pro Bowl pass catcher is said to be waiting until before training camp before making a decision. Even with the DeVante Parker extension, the Pats are definitely in the mix.
Cook, whom the Pats are “intrigued” by, has not made the free agent tour Hopkins has but has garnered interest from a number of teams. He has seemingly made it known he’d be interested in playing for New England, liking tweets from @ProFootballTalk regarding a story where Robert Kraft said spending money would never be an issue for acquiring talent. Cook has also liked several tweets regarding the Miami Dolphins and a salary restructure of Cam Smith, which could free up money for their pursuit of the Florida native and former Florida State star. The New York Jets also are reportedly interested in the six-year veteran who has 47 rushing TDs over that span. Anywhere he goes, Cook, like Hopkins, will be an impact player.
Both players may well be using the Pats and their alleged interest in coming to New England as a leverage game to increase interest and potential payday. Perhaps the oddsmakers believe Hopkins and Cook will land in New England because they above others need the most additional firepower on offense. Whatever the case, each would be a welcome addition to a team looking to reclaim their spot atop the AFC East. Mike Tannenbaum thinks the Pats adding D-Hop alone would make them AFC East favorites. Imagine his expectations if the Pats signed both players.
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