The New York Jets have added another star to their offense, signing former Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook to a one-year contract worth up to $8.6 million, according to multiple reports.
Cook, who was released by the Vikings in June, is a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the most productive backs in the league. He rushed for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns on 264 carries last season, playing all 17 games for the first time in his career.
The 28-year-old also underwent shoulder surgery in February to repair a torn labrum that he had been dealing with since 2019. He is expected to be fully healthy and ready for the start of the season.
Cook will join a loaded Jets offense that features quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who was acquired in a blockbuster trade from the Green Bay Packers earlier this offseason. The Jets also added receivers Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Mecole Hardman to give Rodgers more weapons in the passing game.
The Jets are hoping that Cook can help them contend for a Super Bowl title, something that has eluded them since 1969. Cook said that playing with Rodgers was a big factor in his decision to sign with New York.
“It’s a great situation for me, to go play with some great guys, especially Aaron Rodgers, with him being such a high-caliber player that he is,” Cook told CBS Sports HQ before signing. “You could pretty much put them at the top.”
Cook will also provide some insurance for the Jets at running back, as second-year pro Breece Hall is recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in his rookie season. Hall, who was drafted in the fourth round out of Iowa State, showed promise before his injury, rushing for 381 yards and two touchdowns on 63 carries.
Cook will face his former team in Week 9, when the Jets host the Vikings at MetLife Stadium. He will also face the Denver Broncos in Week 5, a team that was rumored to be interested in him this offseason.
