Head coach Robert Saleh didn’t confirm whether the Jets would make a bid for a new running back, but the door isn’t shut on adding a certain playmaker.
After six seasons with the Vikings, star running back Dalvin Cook became a free agent when the team released him on Friday.
When asked if the team would pursue Cook, Saleh said the answer will ultimately come down to general manager Joe Douglas.
“We’ll turn the stones over on that one, but that’s probably more of a Joe question. I’m not sure how the money works on that,” Saleh said during a Friday press conference.
The Dolphins have been linked to Cook, and according to ESPN, the Broncos are also expected to explore signing him.
Before he was cut, Cook was set to make $14 million against Minnesota’s salary cap in 2023.
Cook, who appeared in the Pro Bowl the last four years, spent six seasons in Minnesota after he was drafted in the second round (41st overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft.
He recorded 5,993 rushing yards for 47 touchdowns along with 1,794 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns in 73 games.
The Vikings saved $9 million in cap space by making the move after June 1, according to reports.
“I hold Dalvin in the highest regard and am grateful for his contributions on and off the field,” Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell said in a statement. “Dalvin is a tough, dynamic player and a respected leader by his teammates, which was evident by his multiple seasons as a team captain.”
The move to potentially add Cook could come down to how quickly 2022 second-round pick Breece Hall recovers from a torn ACL he suffered last season.
In seven games last year, Hall excelled with 463 rushing yards and four touchdowns with 218 receiving yards before going down with the knee injury.
The Jets have said they are “very optimistic” Hall could be ready for Week 1.
As it stands, the Jets have about $24 million in remaining cap space this year, according to Over The Cap.
If the Jets do not add any outside help at running back, they still have returnees Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight rostered.
