Dalvin Cook was released by the Minnesota Vikings last offseason for salary cap reasons, leading him to explore options during training camp before joining the New York Jets in August.
The RB joined the Jets with the expectation of being part of a stacked running back room and ending their 53-year Lombardi trophy draught. However, Cook didn’t get much time with the team to fulfill his expectations as he is again set to join another team.
Dalvin Cook joins Ravens heading into NFL Playoff
Dalvin Cook is set to join the Baltimore Ravens as a running back, with reports indicating that the team will sign him to their practice squad.
The move was officially confirmed by Cook’s agents at LAA Sports & Entertainment, who shared the information with The Associated Press on Thursday. The RB cleared waivers, becoming a free agent before joining the Ravens.
Cook’s decision to join the Ravens comes after he agreed to part ways with the New York Jets on Tuesday. The NFL Network and ESPN reported Baltimore’s decision to sign him. The Ravens, as the AFC’s No. 1 seed with a first-round bye, have the opportunity to assess Dalvin Cook over the next two weeks before their divisional-round game on either Jan. 20 or 21.
Despite having the NFL’s No. 1 rushing attack, the Ravens’ backfield has faced challenges due to injuries, with featured back J.K. Dobbins and rookie Keaton Mitchell both suffering season-ending injuries. Gus Edwards, currently the Ravens’ No. 1 back, has scored 13 touchdowns but has struggled to produce big plays, with lower rushing averages over his past seven games. The Ravens’ 53-man roster includes Justice Hill and nine-year veteran Melvin Gordon, who has had limited action with 19 carries for 63 yards and a 3.3-yard average.
Despite existing options, Baltimore acknowledged the need for more speed at the running back position, indicating a potential role for Dalvin Cook in enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities.
The RB shared a picture on the social media platform “X” (formerly known as Twitter) with Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers, displaying chains with the letters “LAA” representing their shared agency.
Dalvin Cook included a purple heart emoji, symbolizing the Ravens’ team colors, and a crossed fingers emoji, indicating anticipation or hope for a successful playoff run.
Why did the Jets release Dalvin Cook?
Dalvin Cook’s release from the New York Jets is attributed to a disappointing tenure marked by limited playing time and underwhelming performance during the current season.
The Jets signed the four-time Pro Bowl selection, to a one-year deal worth $7 million during the summer, with $5.8 million guaranteed. The decision to release Cook was reported as a mutual agreement between the player and the Jets, as announced by Cook’s agents and later confirmed by The Associated Press.
Cook’s role in the Jets’ offense never materialized after quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending torn left Achilles tendon just four snaps into his debut with the team.
The RB’s statistics with the Jets include a career-low 214 yards rushing on 67 carries, no touchdowns, and career-low receiving stats with 15 catches for 78 yards.
Cook was surpassed by rookie Israel Abanikanda in the Jets’ backfield, further diminishing his role within the team. Despite being in uniform, the RB did not play in the recent game against Cleveland and had no touches on offense in the past two games, emphasizing his lack of use by the Jets.
Jets coach Robert Saleh expressed appreciation for Cook’s professionalism, acknowledging the challenging season for both the player and the team. Saleh recognized the RB’s frustration with his lack of playing time.
“I haven’t played professional football, but being around it, you know when a player is hurting and I know he’s hurting, but his story is not over,” Saleh said. “He still has plenty of juice in his legs, but he’s been great.”
Despite his limited role with the Jets, there is expected interest in Dalvin Cook from teams heading into the playoffs seeking additional depth in the backfield and he will now be starting a new journey with the Ravens.
