Dalvin Cook did not have to think twice about the chance of playing for a Jets team that is in win-now mode with the recent acquisition of Aaron Rodgers.
Cook, who was released by the Vikings on June 9 after six seasons in Minnesota, signed a one-year deal worth $7 million on Wednesday to join the four-time MVP in the Big Apple. On Thursday, after attending his first practice with the team, the four-time Pro Bowl running back told reporters that he is excited to no longer play against Rodgers in heated NFC North clashes.
“Being on the other side of that for the last six years, I couldn’t be on the other side no more,” Cook said, per ESPN. “Aaron is Aaron. If you don’t want to be part of something like that, I don’t know what you want in football.”
Later in Thursday’s news conference, Rodgers stated that he wanted Cook on the team for the 2023 campaign. Part of Cook’s signing came because of Rodgers’s decision to trim his salary by $35 million, allowing the Jets to add all the necessary pieces for a team vying for an NFL title.
“… I’d seen him first-hand a number of years in the [NFC] North,” Rodgers said. “He wants to win a championship. He made it well known to me during the process that he wanted to play with me and play here… so we’re excited to have him.”
Cook rushed for 1,173 yards on 264 carries and eight touchdowns in 17 games last season. However, in February, the 28-year-old underwent surgery on his shoulder and awaits clearance from doctors to participate in practice.
Cook will be part of what should be an explosive backfield with Breece Hall, who completed team drills for the first time on Thursday since undergoing ACL surgery in October.
The Jets and their reloaded offense will begin the regular season on Sept. 11 against the Bills.
