15 August 2023 , 11:51
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Ezekiel Elliott signed for the New England Patriots just hours before Dalvin Cook joined the New York Jets.
Both running backs had been the subject of speculation over the past few weeks, both being linked with each AFC East team, with the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins missing out.
The Jets had been heavily favoured to land Cook, after having him in for a visit earlier this month - with quarterback Aaron Rodgers hoping to see a deal done after restructuring his own contract to give the team more flexibility.
Meanwhile, Elliott lands in a good spot to reinvigorate his career after a few disappointing seasons with the Dallas Cowboys - where he could become the starting back.
The Jets had also had interest in Elliott, with second-year pro Breece Hall still rehabbing from his brutal injury last season. But they have chosen to go with Cook, who might be the perfect option for them as they hope to challenge for a Super Bowl.
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At the beginning of training camp, head coach Robert Saleh inadvertently letting slip that Cook could be about to sign with the team after he had been in for a visit.
A move had always been coming for the Jets, after Rodgers made a move to open cap space for the team. When asked about his contract move, Rodgers said: "Big names move at the trade deadline now. I wanted to make sure that if somebody valuable came available, we’d be able to get him. I’m very happy with the contract. I feel great about it."
Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel ElliottThe Jets had initially not been in the race for Cook, but were able to do so when Rodgers agreed to create $9 million (£7m) in salary cap space. Rodgers agreed to take a £27.25million ($35m) pay cut, while also spreading out his money throughout the length of the contract - suggesting he could stick around for more than just this season.
For Elliott, he will compete with Rhamondre Stevenson with the Patriots - in a new-look offense after former Alabama playcaller Bill O'Brien rejoined the team to take over the role.
Despite struggling as a general manager with the Houston Texans, O'Brien had been a solid head coach with the team and is rightly seen as one of the better offensive minds in the league.
While the Patriots are not seen as legitimate contenders to challenge for a Super Bowl this season, they project as a solid landing spot for Elliott - as he'll play behind an ascending offensive line who have made improvements this off-season.