DONE DEAL: Cowboys Sign $7 Million Four-Time Pro Bowler
Former New York Jets running back, is back in the NFL.
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero announced on social media that Cook had signed with the Dallas Cowboys.
“He was waiting for the ideal chance, which he always felt was in Dallas. “A significant addition to Big D,” Pelissero added.
RB Completely Flamed out With the Jets in 2023
One of the key reasons the Jets signed the RB late in free agency was as an insurance policy. The team already had Breece Hall, but he was recovering from a torn ACL. With the unpredictability of ACL recoveries—each case varies in terms of recovery time and effectiveness—the Jets wanted to ensure they had a reliable option in case Hall wasn’t ready to return to form. Cook was supposed to allow the Jets to be cautious with Hall’s return.
However, Hall proved to be exceptional. In the first game of the 2023 season, against the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, Hall immediately made an impact, rushing for 26 yards on his first carry and following it up with an 83-yard run. Hall went on to play in all 17 games, shifting his focus this offseason from rehabilitation to improving his game.
In contrast, the Jets opted to go with a younger backfield for the upcoming season, moving away from relying on veteran players. During the April draft, they selected Braelon Allen in the fourth round (No. 134 overall) and Isaiah Davis in the fifth round (No. 173 overall). Both rookies made the roster, taking on the roles of RB2 and RB3, respectively. Additionally, the Jets kept a fourth running back, Israel Abanikanda, who secured his spot on the team with a standout performance in the preseason finale against the New York Giants. Abanikanda rushed nine times for 83 yards, including a 45-yard touchdown, showcasing his potential with an impressive 9.2 yards per carry.
This shift towards a younger backfield reflects the Jets’ confidence in their developing talent and a move away from their reliance on veterans like Cook.
Dalvin Cook has averaged 92 yards from scrimmage per game in his career — 107 if you take out last season, when he never got a chance to establish a rhythm with the #Jets (but had a long run for Baltimore in the playoffs). One of the top free agents still available. https://t.co/A0ldXyl4lm
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 26, 2024