Four days ahead of their preseason opener against the Browns, the Jets hosted a special guest at Sunday’s practice: free-agent running back Dalvin Cook. And while the four-time Pro Bowler remains on the open market following his release by the Vikings last month, Jets fans in attendance made it clear what they wanted to see happen with Cook as he strode the sidelines.
The message was simple: Sign the contract.
Fans clearly would love to see Cook join the squad and give Aaron Rodgers another versatile offensive weapon. The star running back—who turns 28 in August—has been linked to multiple teams since his release, including the division rival Dolphins.
#Jets fans begin to chant DALVIN COOK as he walks onto the practice field here at Jets Training Camp pic.twitter.com/BcYwjwpbkL
— 𝙅𝙀𝙏𝙎 𝙈𝙀𝘿𝙄𝘼🛫 (@NYJets_Media) July 30, 2023
Adding Cook would bolster New York’s backfield, which currently features Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight and rookie Israel Abanikanda. Breece Hall, the team’s second-round pick last year, was a breakout star through the first half of the season before tearing his ACL and meniscus. His status for Week 1 of the regular season remains up in the air.
Cook had spent his first six years with Minnesota and has made the Pro Bowl in each of the past four seasons. He’s averaged over 1,600 yards from scrimmage each year since 2019, with 46 touchdowns during that span.