The 2023 season was a tumultuous one for free agent running back Dalvin Cook. After the Minnesota Vikings released him in a cap-saving move, the four-time Pro Bowler took his time on the open market before landing with Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. In theory, the running back was supposed to join forces with Rodgers and the rehabbing Breece Hall to form one of the most dangerous rushing attacks in the game. Unfortunately, fate had other ideas, as Rodgers tore his Achilles after just four snaps and Hall proved to be a vastly superior talent.
Because of this, Dalvin Cook recorded just 214 yards and no touchdowns on 67 carries during his lone season with the Jets. New York released him toward the end of the season, allowing him an opportunity to chase a ring with the Baltimore Ravens. While the Ravens made it all the way to the AFC Championship Game, Cook recorded just eight carries during Baltimore’s two-game postseason run.
Following this underwhelming campaign, Dalvin Cook struggled to find free agent suitors. However, that could change soon, as the running back recently announced he’s “talking calls” and could sign with a new team in the coming weeks.
#NFL free agent and Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook @dalvincook exercising to get in top shape with @justinallen_13 and exercising patience as he weighs which team he’ll sign with @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/kIAjyPly7v
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 18, 2024
Free Agent Dalvin Cook “Taking Calls”, Could Sign Soon
It should go without saying, but nobody will sign Dalvin Cook as a free agent to be anything more than a depth player. The cruel reality of the NFL is that star players hardly stick around for years on end, and that’s especially true of running backs. The physical nature of the position leads to shorter careers, and now that Cook is entering his age-29 season, his best days are probably behind him.
However, that doesn’t mean Dalvin Cook lied about having free agent suitors. Even if he’ll only land a backup job, the veteran can still provide some much-needed stability for the right organization. There are not enough good running backs to go around, and these five teams could be interested in kicking the tires on the former second-round pick.
Possible Team Fits
Buffalo Bills
James Cook is firmly entrenched as the starting running back in this offense, but the Bills could use another back. Latavius Murray is still a free agent, and the fact he hasn’t re-signed with the Buffalo Bills implies the team wants someone like Dalvin Cook to upgrade the RB2 position. James Cook’s brother is the ideal veteran backup who can compete with Ray Davis and provide mentorship for the rookie fourth-round pick.
Kansas City Chiefs
Isiah Pacheco has defied the odds, fully overcoming his seventh-round draft capital to entrench himself as the starting running back on one of the best offenses in football. However, while Pacheco is a reliable starter, the rest of the depth chart leaves plenty to be desired. Former first-round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire never came close to justifying his early selection, and Kansas City ignored the position in the NFL Draft. If Dalvin Cook has anything left in his tank, the free agent should comfortably win the backup job.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh wants to run the football early and often, but he’ll have a tough time doing it with his current backfield. Gus Edwards is nothing special, and J.K. Dobbins is trying to return from a season-ending Achilles injury. Historically speaking, Achilles injuries are a kiss of death for running backs, and Harbaugh will likely need a better backfield to execute his offensive vision. Dalvin Cook might not be a 1,000-yard rusher at this point in his career, but the free agent can help distribute the load with these underwhelming options.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers got a good one in second-round pick Jonathon Brooks. The Texas product was easily the best back in the 2024 NFL Draft class and should be the starter for years to come. However, he’s returning from a season-ending ACL injury, and Carolina could use someone to hold down the starting job in case the rookie isn’t ready to go in Week 1. Miles Sanders had a disastrous first season with the Panthers, and Dalvin Cook should be a cost-effective free agent. Pairing him with Chuba Hubbard should give Bryce Young all the short-term help he needs in the backfield.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints interest in free agent Dalvin Cook will come down to their opinions on 2023 third-round pick Kendre Miller. With Alvin Kamara reportedly on the trade block and Jamaal Williams disappointing during his first season with the club, Miller could see an increased role in 2024. However, if Dennis Allen doesn’t think he’s up for the task, New Orleans could add an experienced veteran like Cook into the mix.
Main Photo: Tommy Gilligan – USA Today Sports
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