Aaron Rodgers issues first statement after New York Jets sign Dalvin Cook

15 August 2023 , 18:12

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Aaron Rodgers is "excited" that Dalvin Cook will join him on the New York Jets. (Image: Getty Images)

Aaron Rodgers is thrilled the New York Jets signed Dalvin Cook on Monday and has issued his first comments since the deal came together. The quarterback took a pay cut earlier this offseason to help his organisation add a star like Cook.

"Yeah, I'm excited about him," Rodgers told WFAN. "The running back market, it's been really wild to watch, hasn't it? Just the devaluation of those guys. ... They're three-down guys, and the running back has to be in the blocking scheme, in the run game, in the pass game. They gotta know check down rules."

Responding to running backs such as Cook who feel NFL teams have conspired against them, Rodgers added, "I would, too."

The Jets provided a second bit of good news from their backfield on Tuesday that should put Rodgers in an even better mood, announcing that last year's starting running back Breece Hall will return from the physically unable to perform list. Hall has been recovering from a 2022 season-ending knee injury but was effective before going down.

Cook and Hall could form one of the best tandems in the NFL this campaign. Cook, whose one-year contract could rise to $8.6 million with incentives, amassed 1,468 all-purpose yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games last year. Hall had 681 yards in only seven appearances before his severe injury, averaging a whopping 6.9 yards per touch. The one loser from the new-look squad is running back Michael Carter, who bristled at the idea of the team needing Cook and will likely see his role reduced.

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In any case, with Hall of Fame-bound Rodgers under centre, the Jets' offence brings immense expectations into 2023. Rodgers is pleasantly surprised by his new home after leaving the Green Bay Packers, the only NFL team he had ever known. He determined his future in a meditative darkness retreat, asking the Packers to trade him.

In his latest comments, the one-time Super Bowl winner alluded to his thought process when considering his future. "This has been better than I was even daydreaming about sitting in that hole in the ground thinking about what my life could be," he said.

Aaron Rodgers is busy getting ready for his first season with the New York Jets (John Byrum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Rodgers has not played in the preseason, instead serving as a quasi-coach on the sideline as he helps backup Zach Wilson regain confidence. It's not immediately clear whether Cook will participate in New York's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend. While veteran players often sit out, he may be eager to knock off rust after enduring an extended free-agent period this summer.

Happy to avoid unnecessary hits before the regular season begins, Rodgers has spent much of the past two months bonding with new teammates. The 39-year-old has been spotted in public with star cornerback Sauce Gardner as he embraces the New York spotlight.

"It's really been better than I could have expected," Rodgers said. "It feels like sometimes that I woke up inside of a dream and that this is my life playing out. I pinch myself at various times throughout the week every single week that I've been here."

Dan Bernstein