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NFL rumors: Aaron Rodgers, Jets torturing rest of AFC East before season even begins

By Mark Powell

Jul 22, 2023; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws the ball during the New York Jets Training Camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 22, 2023; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws the ball during the New York Jets Training Camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The New York Jets are closing in on a contract for running back Dalvin Cook. The draw of playing with Aaron Rodgers strikes again.

Free-agent running back Dalvin Cook is set to visit the New York Packers — yes, I called them that for a reason — this weekend. Cook, formerly with the Minnesota Vikings, could team up with Aaron Rodgers in hopes of an AFC playoff run.

Cook commented on the visit to NFL Network, suggesting that New York are “right at the top of the list” and that the “possibility is high” he signs over the weekend if the visit goes well.

Per Pro Football Talk, Cook specifically mentioned Rodgers as his reasoning to lean towards the Jets, rather than other suitors like the Dolphins or New England Patriots.

NFL Rumors: Aaron Rodgers pay cut could help Jets land Dalvin Cook

It helps that Rodgers was willing to take a pay cut in New York so they could afford to build around him. By no means is Rodgers playing on the league minimum, but it’s still a financial sacrifice in his final years.

“I think it says a lot when the best player on your football team — a Hall of Famer — is willing to sacrifice something because he wants to win, which is ultimately what we’re all here to do,” Robert Saleh said. “This was Aaron. Aaron wanted to do this.”

With that extra capital, New York extended Quinnen Williams, and can now possibly add one of the best running backs in football (when healthy) to the roster.

Rodgers essentially signed a three-year, $112.5 million contract. His 2025 season salary is not guaranteed should he choose to retire before then. That $37.5 million AAV is tied with Derek Carr for twelfth among quarterbacks.

“Yeah, there’s money and fame and that good stuff, but at the end of the day, we’re all happy when we win,” Saleh said. “For him to look at this organization, from the outside looking in, and feel like we’re doing a lot of things the right way …(it shows) we brought in the right people.”

Should Cook jump on the bandwagon, New York surely won’t be lacking in star power.

Next. Full NFL schedule 2023: Picks and predictions for every game. dark

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