It's the worst-kept secret that the AFC East wants , and vice versa. The former star Greg Joseph Jersey has repeatedly to his hometown , and the are the idea of Cook teaming up with . But there's one reason the -- a seemingly distant third AFC East suitor -- could have the edge in luring the Pro Bowler to their squad.Scheme fit and potential are surely factors in Cook's decision, and the running back has suggested that Miami and New York offer as much, with the Dolphins deploying a run-friendly system and the Jets eyeing a deep playoff push with Rodgers. The main reason Cook remains unsigned, however, is money. It's what led to the playmaker's departure from Minnesota, and it's what's kept him from settling for what he's perceived as unreasonable Odell Beckham Jr. Jersey offers at a position .Specifically, Cook is reportedly seeking close to $10 million per year -- roughly a top 10 number at his position -- on either a one-year or multiyear deal. A longer-term contract could offer him more security, while also allowing a team to spread out a lucrative investment. And yet both the Dolphins and Jets face significant financial hurdles in that regard.Neither Miami nor New York is devoid of 2023 salary cap space; the Dolphins currently have about $13M to spare, and the Jets have about $23M, . Next year, however, things get ugly. The Dolphins are projected to be $32M over the 2024 cap, and that's not accounting for potential big-money extensions for young starters like , , , , , and . The Jets, on Christian Kirksey Jersey the other hand, are projected to be a whopping $74M over the cap -- worst in the NFL -- thanks in large part due to their inheritance of the ma sive extension Rodgers signed with the . Officially, the quarterback will count $107.5M (!) against the Jets' 2024 cap, meaning a restructure is inevitable but won't nece sarily erase such a prominent cap deficit. Ricardo Louis Jersey BAL RB #33 Att264Yds1173TD8FL4 The Patriots, meanwhile? In addition to owning a comfortable $17M in 2023 cap space, they are set to lead the NFL with a whopping $110M in 2024 cap space, priming them for another spending spree -- or enabling them to make a far more attractive multiyear offer to someone like Cook. Couple that with the fact the Dolphins are already committing almost 40 percent more money to the RB position than the Patriots this year, with veterans and combining to earn more than $11M through 2024, and New England just has more immediate resources. The question, it seems, lies with the Patriots themselves. Is Cook really the guy they want? And especially at his price? It's clear New England wants a complement to third-year man , working out former starter and previously signing , only to cut the latter amid injury concerns. Now, it seems, it's a matter of whether they're willing to use their available advantage to lure Cook into the backfield, and away from Bernie Kosar Jersey their divisional rivals.