East Rutherford, N.J. (WGR 550) - Two of the more high profile running backs remaining on the free agent market this offseason have finally found their new homes for the 2023 season. First it was Ezekiel Elliott, then it was Dalvin Cook.
Shortly after it was reported that Elliott was signing a one-year deal with the New England Patriots, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported Monday evening that Cook was signing a one-year deal worth up to $8.6 million with the New York Jets.
Both sides officially agreed to terms on the contract on Tuesday.
Schefter adds Cook is still, at least, a week away from being able to practice with the Jets after undergoing shoulder surgery in February. Cook’s arrival to the Jets is also expected to be delayed as he will become a first-time father in the coming days.
Cook signs with the Jets after visiting the team's facilities during training camp a couple weeks ago.
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The 28-year-old was released by the Vikings back on June 9 after the team had failed to accommodate a trade for the four-time Pro Bowl running back following a request out of Minnesota.
In his seven seasons with the Vikings, Cook played a total of 73 games in the purple and gold, rushing for 5,993 yards on 1,282 carries, averaging 4.7 yards-per-attempt and scoring 47 touchdowns. Cook has rushed for, at least, 1,100 yards over the last four seasons, including a career-best 1,557 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground in 2020.
This past season saw Cook put up some decent numbers in the Minnesota backfield, carrying the ball 264 times for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games.
Cook now joins a running backs room in New York that already consists of the likes of Breece Hall, Michael Carter, Zonavan Knight and rookie Israel Abanikanda.
If Cook is ready to play for the Jets come Week 1 of the 2023 season, he will first play against his brother, James, in a "Monday Night Football" showdown with the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 11.
