The New England Patriots missed out on DeAndre Hopkins, but they have another opportunity to add a Pro Bowl skill-position player.
Dalvin Cook remains unsigned, and the odds have shifted slightly in New England’s favor on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Patriots are now a +150 favorite to sign the free-agent running back.
🚨 ODDS SHIFT 🚨
The New England Patriots are the new favorites to sign RB Dalvin Cook at +150
(odds via @DKSportsbook) pic.twitter.com/nbUPKZrJUc
— PFF Bet (@PFF_Bet) July 17, 2023
However, they could face steep competition from two AFC East competitors. The Miami Dolphins (+200) and New York Jets (+400) trail close behind.
After that trio, three more teams (Commanders, Broncos, Cowboys) lead a pack of longshots at +1500. For those wondering if Saquon Barkley or Josh Jacobs not inking a long-term deal may create a new suitor, the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders are each assigned +1800 odds.
New England finished 24th in rushing last season with 106.6 yards per game and watched Damien Harris join the Buffalo Bills this offseason. Rhamondre Stevenson currently looks poised to handle a hefty workload, but Bill Belichick has rarely shied away from deploying a backfield committee.
With Hopkins set to sign a two-year deal with the Tennessee Titans, New England can shift its focus and resources to Cook. As recent trends have made clear, a star running back is likely to net less than a star wide receiver on the open market anyway.
However, the Boston Herald‘s Doug Kyed said he’d be “a little bit surprised” if the Patriots signed Cook despite seeking depth at running back.