Dalvin Cook visiting Jets this weekend; can they get deal done?

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The Jets could soon add another dynamic star player and one more weapon for Aaron Rodgers to help their Super Bowl pursuit.

Four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook is flying into the area and will meet with the Jets over the weekend. The Jets and Cook have mutual interest, but the hang-up has been agreeing on a salary. That could change this weekend.

Rodgers signed a reworked, fully guaranteed two-year, $75 million deal on Wednesday. He took a $35 million pay cut to allow the Jets to spend on more players. Cook, who had offseason shoulder surgery, could be one of those players.

"We’ll never say no to a great player, if the opportunity presents itself in the right way,” Robert Saleh said after practice Thursday. “So I’m excited about him and his visit. It’s really just being able to have a conversation, have hands on him. I know he’s got some things medically that would have to check out. Excited about his visit and a chance to sit down and talk to him.”

Saleh credited Rodgers for giving the Jets a massive discount, which gives them “the opportunity to be able to go and at least try to pursue a guy like Dalvin.”

Cook tweeted Thursday, “Heading to the airport like” and he included a video of him sprinting for a long touchdown for the Vikings last season.

The Jets feel they already have a good team that can compete for a Super Bowl, but they’ve been trying to add more proven, big-named players. Having Rodgers makes the Jets far more appealing to everyone.

They pursued wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and defensive lineman Calais Campbell in free agency. The Jets were close to signing both. If things go south in Las Vegas for Davante Adams, the receiver could try to find a way to reunite with his old quarterback, Rodgers. The two remain very close.

The Jets have done a lot of homework on Cook, who was waived by Minnesota last month. He reportedly has received interest from the other three AFC East teams in the Patriots, Bills and Dolphins. New England, reportedly, is trying to get a meeting as well.

When the Jets have Cook in their building this weekend, they have a chance to lock him up and keep their rivals from getting him.

“We’re not trying to build a Dream Team,” Saleh said. “But we’re making sure that everything fits for a reason, there’s a purpose for what we’re doing. Very cognizant of not getting caught up in fan noise and pulling names just to pull a name.

“A lot of discussions have been had, a lot of film has been watched of Dalvin. If it fits, it’s because we know it’ll fit. It’s not just because to make a move to win the offseason.”

The 27-year-old Cook has rushed for at least 1,100 yards the past four seasons and has 47 career rushing touchdowns. He’s also caught 221 passes for 1.794 yards and five scores. If the Jets sign Cook on a 1-year-deal, they will have perhaps the NFL’s best 1-2 running back punch.

Second-year back Breece Hall is returning from a torn ACL. Some have speculated that the Jets’ interest in Cook is an indication that Hall won’t be ready for Week 1. Saleh said that’s not the case.

“No. Breece looks fantastic to the point where we got to slow him down,” Saleh said. “Knock on wood, he’s trending in the right direction.”

If the Jets add Cook, they will be that much more difficult to defend. He would shore up the position if the Jets decide to take it slow with Hall. Cook also would give the Jets solid depth in the running back room that features Michael Carter, Bam Knight and rookie speedster Izzy Abanikanda.

“We got a lot of great running backs in the room, but Dalvin’s been in the league for a while,” safety Jordan Whitehead said. “Everybody knows who he is, everybody knows his game. He’s a great runner, great running back in this league. Whatever helps the team win at this point. We got a lot of weapons, we’ll take whatever we need.”

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.