New York Jets running back Dalvin Cook speaks to reporters at the team’s facility in Florham Park, N.J., on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. The former Minnesota Vikings star signed a one-year contract with the Jets on Aug. 16. (AP Photo/Dennis Waszak Jr.)
FLORHAM PARK — Dalvin Cook may not be fully practicing with the New York Jets yet, but the excitement he’s brought to the roster over the last week is hard to miss.
Now with a new team after six years in Minnesota, Cook has the chance to make the most of his playing career: something that others in his position haven’t been able to do once they get to his age.
“I don’t have a solution for it right now so I’m just going to continue to play good football and see where it goes from there,” Cook told reporters after Thursday’s Jets practice.
Cook’s response and frustration toward the dwindling pay for running backs are very similar to other Pro Bowl running backs over the last few months. Still, his one-year, $7 million deal with the Jets is seen as a fair market price for one of the more consistent backs in football.
But why the Jets? New York hasn’t been to the playoffs in over a decade, and his hometown of Miami needed a consistent runner like him. Turns out, Cook came away impressed from his visit with Gang Green and saw the potential that the organization has to be great.
“I think collectively, I saw everything I needed to see. Good vibes from coaches and players. When you look at the roster, all the pieces are put together,” Cook explained. “I can help these guys…it could be something special.”
Of course, that potential is certainly helped by Aaron Rodgers. As a member of the Vikings, Cook has gone toe-to-toe with the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback and is all too familiar with the level of play he has brought onto the field.
In a way, that was enough of a reason to join the Jets in Cook’s mind.
“He (Rodgers) didn’t recruit me. He doesn’t have to recruit, his…
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