It has finally happened. After weeks of rumors and speculations, Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook has found a new home. Cook has signed a one-year contract with the New York Jets, who add another playmaker to their offense and continue their all-in push with Aaron Rodgers under center. This article will break down the fantasy implications of the Cook signing.
Dalvin Cook 2023 Season Outlook
After being released by the Vikings earlier this offseason, Cook has found a home for the 2023 season in New York. Cook produced well last season, rushing for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns while also producing 295 yards and two more touchdowns through the air. Cook joins a loaded Jets offense where he should be the team’s RB1 for the first few weeks of the 2023 season while second-year RB Breece Hall works his way back from an ACL injury suffered in Week 7 of his rookie season. As the season progresses and Hall ramps back up, expect the touches to even out. Cook has high-end RB2 upside for 2023 in New York, although his late-season and fantasy playoff ceiling will be limited by Hall’s eventual return.
Breece Hall 2023 Season Outlook
Last season, Hall was possibly on his way toward winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award until the torn ACL ended his season early. If there is anything to take away from Hall’s shortened rookie season, it is that he is a future fantasy star. Prior to going down, Hall was among the top 10 fantasy producers in all formats. However, ACL injuries usually take about a year to fully recover from, so it should be expected for the Jets to ease Hall into the offense early in the year. Once Hall has fully recovered, he should reclaim the RB1 position in New York, even with Cook in town. Hall is still worth taking in the early rounds of fantasy drafts even after the Cook signing since he has elite RB1 upside when he is healthy.
The Bottom Line
With Dalvin Cook deciding to join the Jets, it gives them another explosive playmaker on offense and arguably makes them the favorites to win a tough AFC East division in 2023. While Cook should be the feature back early in the year, expect his production to drop off gradually once Breece Hall returns. By the time the season ends, it would not surprise me if the Jets’ backfield is a 60/40 split in favor of Hall. If you play in Dynasty formats, I would recommend reaching out to the Hall manager in your league and seeing if you could trade for him at a reduced price, since the Hall manager may be panicking after the news of Cook signing.
