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Two of the best remaining NFL Free Agents are visiting teams just to fly home empty-handed with no contracts. We get to wondering, as there is only a month left until the regular season begins. Yes, the two free agents are in fact running backs. Dalvin Cook and Kareem Hunt are still left unsigned going into preseason. Raising questions and extreme intrigue into why that is. Are the former Pro Bowl running backs being over demanding; picky; or is it just not working out?
Dalvin Cook became a salary cap casualty for the Minnesota Vikings in the beginning of June. Cook surpassed 1K in rushing the past four seasons; punchin' in 43 toudys; and earning 4 consecutive Pro Bowl appearances (yeah I know). Cook had a great career in Minny, but the move freed up $9 million of 2023 cap space for the Vikings and another $12.5 million next season. Personally, I thought the move was smart by Minnesota despite Cook's production. Some thought otherwise, using the move as an example of running-back mistreatment, turning it into ammunition for the running backs to use after the whole franchise tender-deadline debacle. The move did one thing- it made a top 'back available.
Dalvin Cook entered Free Agency at 27 (28, today) as one of the NFL's top 5 running backs, which immediately caused some rattlin' across the league. Cook's availability had the whole AFC East losing their wits. All four teams were rumored to have been lickin' their chops, wanting to speak with Cook. Despite all the "reported" interest- Cook declined to visit the Dolphins; while the Patriots and Bills just stirred, they never brought him in for a visit. The Jets however, brought Cook in and things seemed like things were moving forward. Seeing Cook leave New York unsigned, is honestly quite crazy. Cook hasn't shown a decline in acceleration; agility; nor stamina. Although his numbers have declined in the past two seasons, still surprised. Kareem Hunt still being unsigned isn't as much a surprise, but the fact he just sat down with New Orleans and Indianapolis and arrived back home without a contract is interesting as well.
Was Cook asking for too much money when he spoke with New York reps, or was the Jets' plan for him not lining up with what Cook wants and had in Minnesota? Hunt's situation was left with the same question, but is easy to see through. Saints brought Hunt in for a visit, the day, or day after, the Alvin Kamara suspension dropped (3 games, NFL). Saints only lose AK41 for three games and signed last year's rushing touchdown king, Jamaal Williams, in the offseason. Kareem Hunt must have wanted to go a different route than New Orleans wanted. Hunt was looked at as a rental and no chance was getting sizeable coin from the Saints with how their plans are with their RB room. They want a cheap fill until Kamara returns. New York may have had a similar outcome with Cook as Hunt did with the Saints and Colts.
The Jets are extremely high on Breece Hall, who is returning from an ACL tear. They have been vocal on that claim. The Jets also have Michael Carter, who isn't a bad 'back for them in that two-role if he can stay healthy. I don't believe the two sides were far away on the money aspect of the negotiations- New York freed a ton of cap space with the restructuring of Aaron Rodgers' contract from Green Bay. I feel as their feelings/plans with Hall may have altered Cook's interest. Dalvin is seeking a top contract, with those top responsibilities. Cook wants all the carries. I think the answer to the question is in regard to the RB room in New York.
I unfortunately am not a fly on the wall, soon maybe I'll be a less annoying Adam Schefter, but not at this moment. I create my intel, I just hope that's the case with Cook and New York. I can understand it for Cook. Hunt on the other hand, has been a backup for the past four years, not surpassing 1K on the ground since his rookie season. I would hope he isn't asking for bankroll, just curious how the Colts let him fly home and sign RB Jason Huntley, later that day. With the whole Jonathan Taylor debacle, and Taylor flirting a lengthy holdout, you would think Hunt was a golden rental in case Taylor brings it to the regular season. We sit here and see both cats as unsigned free agents instead. We only have a month until week one!
Dalvin Cook is arguably the best free agent available. There is no way he goes unsigned into Opening Kickoff, right!? All I know is he can't be too picky. Rather its contract details or a team's plan- he wants to play ball this year. Not much left on a running-backs tank. This isn't a single lane road, might have to sacrifice something. There is still several teams out there that can use Cooks' services, as well as Kareem Hunt's services. I am just afraid they have that little Austin Ekeler sittin' on their shoulder yappin' its lips. Don't want to take a crap deal, or put yourself in a bad situation- but you also can't be Josh Jacobs and Jonathan Taylor. Work is better than no work. The league needs Dalvin Cook and Kareem Hunt doing their thing on the gridiron. That's a given, cha heard.
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