NFL Rumors: Dalvin Cook could team up with former NFC North rival in surprising destination

Running back Dalvin Cook is prepared to visit with a team that just so happens to have a former rival during his time with the Minnesota Vikings.

Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins was the latest big-name free agent to sign with a team, joining the Tennessee Titans on a two-year contract. The largest name available is none other than former Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook, who was released by the team over a month ago. Cook has been linked to nearly every AFC East team this offseason, so it’s essentially a matter of who can convince him to sign.

It appears that one has a head start.

According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, Cook is flying to New York on Thursday to meet with the Jets over the weekend. The Jets, of course, have quarterback and Cook’s former rival, Aaron Rodgers, on the team.

NFL rumors: Dalvin Cook visiting with Jets to potentially team up with Aaron Rodgers

Cook confirmed the news in a tweet, saying “Heading to the airport like…” while sharing a video of a run of his against the Miami Dolphins. Additionally, Cook is set to appear on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” in New York on Friday.

Before joining the Jets, Rodgers spent the entirety of his career with the Green Bay Packers, where he took over the starting job in 2008. As for Cook, he played for the Vikings from 2017 until this past season. So, the two have faced off against one another quite a bit in their NFL careers. Now, they could potentially team up to make a push not only for a playoff spot but for a Super Bowl title.

The door opened up for the Jets to potentially add a big talent like Cook on Wednesday when reports indicated that Rodgers had agreed to a new reworked contract that took off near $35 million over the next two years. So, Rodgers will instead play on a two-year, $75 million contract with the team. With that, there is more money for the team to load up on players to help them get out of what should be a tough AFC East.

But, the Jets may have to do some extra convincing to sign Cook immediately. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Cook is in talks with the New England Patriots about setting up a visit.

The Patriots have been linked to Cook throughout the offseason and at one point had the best betting odds to sign the running back. Additionally, Patriots director of player personnel Matt Groh revealed that the team is doing their due diligence about potentially signing Cook.

New York’s current running back depth chart is currently led by Breece Hall, who is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, as he recovers from a torn ACL suffered last season. Behind him is Michael Carter. If the Jets were to add Cook, it would make the new-look offense look that much better on paper. Let’s not forget, the Jets have new wide receivers in Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman, and Randall Cobb to team alongside Garrett Wilson and Corey Davis.

Cook is heading to New York, but will he leave with a new contract?