Frustrated Dalvin Cook to talk to agent, Jets GM about trade

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook expressed his frustration with his reduced role on the New York Jets and revealed his intention to discuss the possibility of a trade with his agent and general manager, Joe Douglas.

Cook, who only had three carries for 12 yards in the Jets’ recent victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 6, has been the subject of trade speculation as the deadline approaches next Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.

“It’s frustrating that my name is being mentioned in trade rumors, but it’s something out of my control,” Cook said. “It could be a good thing or a bad thing.”

When Cook signed a one-year, $7 million contract in August after being released by the Minnesota Vikings, he had high hopes of forming the best running-back duo in the NFL alongside Breece Hall. However, their partnership hasn’t lived up to expectations. Hall is currently leading the league with an impressive 6.5 yards per carry, while Cook ranks last among qualified ball carriers with a 2.8 average.

“Of course, it’s frustrating,” Cook expressed. “I’m an honest person who works hard and wants to play. This is new to me. I come from being a 20-times-a-game ball carrier. It’s something I’m adjusting to.”

Despite his limited involvement, Cook believes he’s still the same player who amassed four consecutive seasons of over 1,100 rushing yards with the Vikings, earning him four Pro Bowl selections. However, his touches have been restricted due to Hall’s quicker and better-than-expected recovery from ACL surgery. Cook had 13 carries in the season opener, but his numbers have dwindled since then.

Through six games, Cook has only carried the ball 39 times for 109 yards and hasn’t scored a touchdown. His longest run has been just 10 yards. “I excel as a high-volume runner, getting better as the game progresses,” he explained.

Cook hoped that teaming up with Hall would bring great success to the New York Jets. While he didn’t have specific expectations regarding carrying the ball, he certainly anticipated a larger workload than what he’s been given.

“We all thought it would be more,” Cook said. “But I didn’t think in terms of percentages between him and me. I just thought the touches would be distributed more evenly.”

Cook’s contract might present a challenge for potential suitors. He earns $262,222 for every game he’s on the 53-man roster and an additional $70,588 for every active game. This amounts to a potential cost of $3.3 million for the remainder of the season.

Coach Robert Saleh acknowledged Cook’s positive attitude despite the challenging situation of transitioning from a longtime starter to a backup role. Saleh noted that Cook has looked better in recent weeks, making progress after missing most of training camp due to offseason shoulder surgery.

“I believe he’s regaining his form and running with more aggression, resembling his previous self,” Saleh commented. “Hopefully, we can build on that. Dalvin and Breece could be a formidable duo.”

Defensive end Carl Lawson, also experiencing a diminished role, expressed his openness to a potential trade. In the final year of his contract, Lawson is set to earn approximately $3.5 million for the remainder of the season. The former starter, who has been a healthy scratch in two games, has only recorded three tackles and no sacks.

In response to trade rumors, Lawson stated, “I definitely want to contribute and play. I know I have the ability to do so. I’ve proven myself in the past. Right now, I’m with the Jets, but I definitely desire more playing time. I want to replicate my performance from last year [seven sacks]. I am a football player, not a cheerleader.”