Dalvin Cook visiting Jets in possible free-agency steal

The Jets have something Cook-ing.

Free-agent running back Dalvin Cook traveled to New York on Thursday and will visit the Jets this weekend.

The Jets and Cook have had mutual interest since the Vikings released him in June.

Cook reportedly is also drawing interest from the Dolphins and Patriots, creating a AFC East competition for his services.

ESPN reported Cook is also planning a visit with New England.

“We’ll never say no to a great player if the opportunity presents itself in the right way,” Jets coach Robert Saleh said. “I’m excited about him and his visit. It’s really just being able to have a conversation with him, get hands on him. I know he’s got some things medically that would have to check out. Again, excited about his visit and a chance to sit down and talk with him.”

For the Jets, Cook would be an insurance policy if Breece Hall is not all the way back from his ACL injury at the start of the season.

Cook and Hall would be a nice 1-2 punch once Hall is healthy.

It would also give Aaron Rodgers and the offense another playmaker.

Cook, who turns 28 in August, has rushed for more than 1,100 yards in each of the past four seasons.

Last season, he rushed 264 times for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns.

His yards per attempt was a career-low 4.4, though.

Cook is also a receiving weapon. He had 39 receptions for 295 yards and two touchdowns last year.

“He’s a dynamic ball carrier,” Saleh said. “He’s been a dynamic ball carrier for a long time. He’s great in the passing game. I’m not going to get too detailed, but you can’t say no to a good football player. They usually find a way.”

Cook underwent shoulder surgery in February, the medical issue that Saleh referenced.

He also has several legal issues and the Jets, who preach stressing character, need to feel comfortable with him.

Finally, Cook was thought to be seeking $8 million-$10 million a year from a new team in June.

Has his price come down?

The Jets surely don’t want to spend that on a player who would not even be their lead back.

They also need to figure out if he is using them to leverage more money from another team.

Though fans are clamoring for Cook, the team seems more cautious.

“A lot of discussion has been had, a lot of film has been watched on Dalvin, and if it fits, it’s because we know it will fit and it’s not just to make a move to win the offseason,” Saleh said.

Saleh said the interest in Cook is not an indication that Hall is not on track for the season.

“Breece looks fantastic, to the point where we have to slow him down,” Saleh said. “He’s freakish. He’s in great shape. He looks much more fit than he did a year ago, just adding muscle and still weighing 225 and hitting 23 [mph] on the GPS. Knock on wood, he’s trending in the right direction.”