New York Jets hosting free agent Dalvin Cook for visit this weekend
Former Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook is reportedly flying to New York on Thursday ahead of a visit with the New York Jets this weekend, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
While in the Big Apple, the free agent will also join the Good Morning Football show on NFL Network on Friday.
The news of Cook’s visit to the Jets comes just hours after star quarterback Aaron Rodgers agreed to a contract restructure. His new cap number for 2023 is now under $9 million, giving the Jets some flexibility to add to the roster for a potential Super Bowl run.
“Aaron Rodgers’ new contract is technically a five-year deal, including two option years to spread out bonus proration and create a 2023 cap number of just under $9 million,” Pelissero tweeted on Wednesday night. “Maximum flexibility for the #Jets to build around him.”
Since hitting the free agent market, Cook has fielded interest from the Dolphins and the Patriots, among others. The Jets are in need of a RB due to Breece Hall continuing his recovery from an ACL injury.
Cook would have made $10.4 million in base salary in 2023 that would have increased to $11.9 million in 2024 and $12.9 million by 2025. The Vikings wanted to restructure his contract, but he refused, leading the team to release him. He is reportedly seeking around the same amount he was supposed to make had he stayed in Minnesota.
Potential suspension complicates deal-making for Cook
Although most reports have indicated that the former Viking is fielding offers, a new story could muck up a potential deal.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune accessed a recently sealed court filing that claims Cook’s team of reps offered his ex-girlfriend, Gracelyn Trimble, up to $1 million to help absolve him of wrong-doing following allegations of domestic violence.
The running back’s lawyers allegedly offered $800,000 for a letter that they could send to the NFL for an investigation into his potential breaches of the league’s personal conduct policy. When the initial offer failed, they purportedly increased the payoff amount to $1 million.
The document filed with the Dakota County District Court became public after Cook attempted to have that piece of information barred from testimony. Whether it is allowed in court or not, it has now entered the public court of opinion.
According to the Star Tribune, Attorney Daniel Cragg wrote that Cook’s initial cash offer was “not only evidence of a crime” but that it should be admissible at trial to show he tried to “coax Trimble” to perjure herself by changing her sworn testimony.
Trimble’s personal injury lawsuit against Cook will go to trial next year. The running back has denied allegations of abuse and also counter-sued the alleged victim and her lawyers for defamation.