Cowboys Could ‘Potentially’ Sign 4-Time Pro Bowl RB for Playoff Run: Report.
After all, the services of a recently released four-time Pro Bowl running back might be of interest to the Dallas Cowboys.
Running back Dalvin Cook was cut by the New York Jets, and as reported by Jennifer Anderson of CBS Sports on Wednesday, January 3, the Cowboys will “consider potentially” signing him.
“Update: According to what I understand, Dalvin Cook may also be added by the Dallas #Cowboys,” adds Anderson. “I’m still assessing. We’ll see where else this curiosity might lead.
The report is in contrast to Nick Harris of the Cowboys’ official website’s take on whether or not Dallas would pursue the veteran back. Harris does not believe that Cook would be a schematic or roster fit for the Cowboys.
“Just my opinion…don’t think there is a fit for him in Dallas both schematically and roster-wise,” Harris wrote in a January 2, 2024 message on X. “Cowboys kicked the tires when he was released by the Vikings and didn’t pursue. I don’t expect anything different this time around, nor do I think they should do anything different.”
Why Cowboys Signing Dalvin Cook Makes Sense
For a number of reasons, including their lack of output at running back, the Cowboys have been considered as a possible
destination for Cook. Tony Pollard has only averaged 4.0 yards per rush in his first season as the team’s starting running back, a significant drop from his 5.2 yards per carry average from the previous campaign. In addition, he has failed to reach 60 rushing yards in any of his last four games. In the team’s Week 17 victory over the Detroit Lions, he averaged a meager 3.1 yards per carry.
Rico Dowdle, Dallas’ main backup, has only averaged 3.9 yards per rush and was actually sidelined for the Lions game because of an ankle ailment.
In other words, the Cowboys could benefit from the addition of one of the more proven backs in the league. Although Cook has had a career-worst year this season, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry, some of that lack of efficiency has to do with playing for the Jets. The Jets’ offense is one of the worst in the NFL, ranking 29th in points per game and 24th in rushing yards.
During the previous season with the Minnesota Vikings, Cook averaged 4.4 yards per carry while posting 1,173 yards, the sixth-highest total in the NFL. It was his fourth consecutive season with at least 1,000 rushing yards.
Dalvin Cook Previously ‘Intrigued’ by Idea of Joining Cowboys
Secondly, Cook previously showed interest in joining the Cowboys during the trade deadline earlier this season, according to a previous report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
“Cook was intrigued by potentially playing for Baltimore or Dallas, I’m told, though neither team ever really entertained the perceived positional need at the deadline,” Fowler wrote in November. “Cook just wants to play, and maybe New York can still help him with that.”
In addition to giving Pollard much-needed support in the backfield, Cook would instantly invigorate the Cowboys’ stale running attack (they rank 20th in yards and 17th in yards per attempt).
Cook will be owed $388,888 for Week 18 by any team that claims him by Thursday’s deadline, even though it’s unlikely he’ll be ready to play in the regular season finale. He would be prepared for the Cowboys’ postseason run, though.
It’s difficult to ignore the possibility of signing Cook if Dallas is in dire need of improving their backfield.
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