Free agent running back Dalvin Cook is gaining interest around the NFL, with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins among the organisations in the mix to sign him after his release from the Minnesota Vikings.
Jets tight end Tyler Conklin extended an open invitation for Cook to come to New York on Tuesday, while the Miami Herald reported that the Dolphins made an official contract offer for the 27-year-old. NFL Media claims Cook has received calls from a half-dozen teams.
"There's plenty of room," said Conklin amid the Cook frenzy. "We've got room for whoever wants to come help us win a Super Bowl. Me and Dalvin were basically lockermates my first couple years, and he was an awesome guy. I reached out to him because I was just curious, like are the rumours true? Is this actually possible?
"That'd be a special backfield with Breece [Hall] and Dalvin and the rookie and whatnot, Mike Carter. I don't know. That's a lot of running backs, but I think that'd be special, especially in this outside zone scheme."
Cook is one of the NFL's most accomplished active running backs. He's produced five consecutive seasons of at least 1,000 rushing yards, four of which led to Pro Bowl bids.
Still, he's up against the same force as everyone else at his position: NFL teams aren't paying running backs as much as they once did. They're worried about the players' bodies breaking down after repeated blows at the line of scrimmage.
"It's so tough for running backs right now, man," said veteran running back Melvin Gordon. "You have a lot of running backs that's out there and we just don't get no love. It's literally the worst position to play in the NFL right now. It literally sucks."
As one of the very best rushers in the NFL over the past decade, Cook will likely have it easier on the open market than many of his peers. According to NFL Media, he remains in contention for a "significant" contract, and a multi-team race for his signature could help inflate his contract value.
Despite Conklin's comments linking Cook to the Jets, New York have yet to lodge an official offer for the former Florida State standout. They could prove an attractive destination, though, considering the presence of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Dolphins' interest is also notable as they are still searching for a proper leading rusher after leaning on a committee of running backs in 2022. Raheem Mostert led them with 891 yards on the ground last year.
Minnesota cut Cook from their roster earlier in the offseason for financial reasons, saving $9 million in cap space. Like many modern teams, they felt the freed-up money was worth the talent drop-off from Cook to back-up Alexander Mattison.
A final contract decision from Cook may come at the start of training camp. The Florida-born player wants to ensure he gets the best deal, even if that requires an extra month of uncertainty.
"It's like a waiting game right now at this point," Cook told The Rich Eisen Show. "Just trying to find that right situation, and I don't think it's a rush or anything. I want somebody who values Dalvin Cook. I want somebody that wants me to be there and give me the ball. I just want to go into the right situation so I can go help somebody win."
