Dalvin Cook Lands with Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets for 2023

Josh Frey |

Aug 14, 2023

Jan 15, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) during warmups before a wild card game against the New York Giants at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Vikings released RB Dalvin Cook back in June, and since then, many have speculated where the veteran could end up playing in 2023.

Well, it appears that we officially have our answer. On Monday evening, Tom Pelissero of The NFL Network reported that Cook will sign a 1-year deal with the New York Jets. He tweeted, “Four-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook is signing with the #Jets on a one-year deal, sources tell me and @RapSheet. Cook always wanted to land in New York. Now he teams up with former NFC North rival Aaron Rodgers, with all eyes on a Super Bowl.”

Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) scores on a touchdown reception as Indianapolis Colts safety Rodney McLeod (26) and safety Julian Blackmon (32) pursue late during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Cook’s contract (also reported by Pelissero) is for just this season and is worth up to $8.6 million with the majority of the deal being guaranteed. It is the largest free agency contract signed by a running back this offseason.

The former Vikings RB isn’t the only running back to land a contract today, either. Ezekiel Elliott also inked a 1-year contract worth up to $6 million, joining the New England Patriots. Cook was rumored to be interested in the Patriots as well, but with New England now off the board, Cook ultimately lands with the Jets.

Dalvin Cook Trade — Jul 29, 2022; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (4) looks on during training camp at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Cook finished his Vikings career as a four-time Pro Bowler, appearing in each of the events since 2019. During that four-year stretch, he also surpassed 1100 rushing yards in every season.

Among all-time Vikings ranks, Cook sits as the franchise’s third-leading rusher (5,993 yards) behind Adrian Peterson (11,747) and Robert Smith (6,818). His 47 rushing touchdowns rank fourth behind Peterson (97), Chuck Foreman (52), and Bill Brown (52). And his rushing yards per game (82.1) are second, only trailing Peterson (95.5).

Justin Jefferson / Dalvin Cook — Dec 25, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) and wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrate Cook’s touchdown run in the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The Jets always made sense as a landing spot for Cook considering their considerable cap space after Aaron Rodgers signed a new deal that freed up $35 million from his current deal. It was an unprecedented amount of money given up by the 39-year-old QB.

After being rivals with Rodgers for so many years in the NFC North, the duo will now be teammates in 2023, hoping to deliver New York the franchise’s first Super Bowl title in 54 years.

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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.