Dalvin Cook signed with the Jets no matter them giving the running lower back a ‘worst-case scenario’ The then-unfastened agent running back become visiting the team in July, with each facet gauging the other’s hobby, whilst the Jets supplied what regarded like a potential deal breaker. “I experience like we put on a worst-case state of affairs,” Saleh recalled Saturday.“When he left, I turned into like, ’There’s no manner he’s going to need to play here.’”The Jets advised Cook, who’s coming off four immediately seasons of at least 1,100 yards rushing in Minnesota, he may want to end up status on the sideline loads whilst different walking backs played.
New York also has Breece Hall, Michael Carter and rookie Israel Abanikanda in the backfield, so contains will be hard to return by using, mainly if offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett rides the recent hand in games.
“And he nonetheless wanted to be here,” Saleh stated. “It was laid out exactly and I was like, ‘Why would he want to be right here the manner we explained it?’ But he changed into all in and it gives us faith that he’s all in on this method.
He’s ready to do whatever we need him to do in football games — whether it’s 25 carries, whether or not it’s one deliver.
“Whatever it’s miles, he’s geared up to roll.”
Cook took multiple weeks to don’t forget his options earlier than signing a one-year cope with the Jets worth $7 million, together with $five.8 million guaranteed.
It can be well worth as much as $8.6 million with incentives.
“He become like, ‘Coach, I simply need to win,’” Saleh said. “When he left and his group nevertheless confirmed hobby, I changed into like: ‘We should definitely convey him in.
He’s best going to help us.’ Since he’s walked in here, his smarts, his tutelage, his enjoy bringing to that going for walks lower back room, he’s been fantastic.”
The 28-12 months-vintage Cook spent his first six NFL seasons with the Vikings, developing into one of the league’s maximum effective running backs.
The 4-time Pro Bowl selection is third on Minnesota’s career speeding list with five,993 yards but located himself without a job after being a salary cap reduce in June.
With the Jets, Cook believes he’ll have an opportunity to not only make contributions however have a threat to win in the playoffs — particularly with Aaron Rodgers as his quarterback.
“I’m a part of a excellent institution right now,” Cook stated. “I’m searching forward to go win a gaggle of video games with those men.”
Cook gets his first threat Monday night time when the Jets open the normal season towards the AFC East-rival Buffalo Bills.
“I sense top notch, man,” Cook said. “It’s a fantastic time to be alive. … I’m prepared to move have some a laugh.”
Speaking of which, the game against the Bills will mark the second one time Cook faces his younger brother James — a second-year strolling back for Buffalo — within the NFL. Dalvin has early bragging rights in that competition after his Vikings beat the Bills 33-30 in additional time ultimate season.
When Dalvin became still a free agent, there was some speculation he may want to be a part of his brother in Buffalo. That become by no means an alternative in Dalvin’s thoughts, though.
“I’ll in no way get in my brother’s manner,” he said of his James, who’s 5 years more youthful and ran for 507 yards and TDs as a rookie.
“They didn’t supply him the touches he wanted closing yr, so for me to even think about signing over there was entering into his way.”
Cook, who had offseason shoulder surgical treatment, completed a full week of practice after being eased in following training camp while he learned the offense and was away some days to witness the birth of his first child.
“To now get him out on the sphere and watch his work ethic has been some thing incredible to peer,” Hackett stated. “It’s notable for all of the men, just even his warmups.”
Hall, who’s wholesome after coming off a knee damage that cut short his promising rookie season, is excited about teaming with Cook to offer the Jets with an impressive 1-2 punch out of the backfield.
“Oh, we’re probable going to be the exceptional duo within the league,” Hall declared.
How Cook, Hall and the other running backs are used remains to be visible, as Saleh alluded to in their initial meeting with Cook.
But Cook refuses to get stuck up in any potential numbers.
“I count on the same issue each 12 months: Be productive,” he said. “I ain’t involved approximately includes and all that. I’m trying to move win a football game and feature some fun.”
NOTES: Hall, LT Duane Brown (shoulder) and RT Mekhi Becton (knee/illness) have been complete practice contributors for the first time this week.
They’re listed as questionable but are all predicted to play. … CB Michael Carter II (elbow) also absolutely practiced and had no game fame designation, so he’ll play.