Dalvin Cook was one of the most prolific running backs in the NFL over the last few seasons — but after unexpectedly getting released from the Minnesota Vikings ahead of the 2023 season — opted to sign with the New York Jets.
Ultimately, Cook was never a good fit in the Big Apple. The New York Jets leaned heavily on their young superstar running back Breece Hall who proved he was fully healthy bouncing back from a major injury.
Hall thrived on a New York Jets offense that struggled without Aaron Rodgers under center.
The second-year ball-carrier heads into the final fame of the regular season with 816 rushing yards and four touchdowns as a running back, while adding another 74 receptions for 576 yards and another four touchdowns as a receiver out of the backfield.
After posting four-straight yards with more than 1,000 yards rushing for the Minnesota Vikings that included 43 rushing touchdowns in that span, Cook was thrown into a backup role and even found himself as the third RB on the Jets depth chart at times.
He finished his tenure with the New York Jets with just 67 carries for 217 yards and no touchdowns.
Dalvin Cook Joined New York Jets To Win A Super Bowl And Now He Possibly Can With The Baltimore Ravens
Aaron Rodgers was one of the biggest advocates for the Jets signing the electric running back this offseason, and while Cook had many suitors, he chose New York because he believed with the former Packers QB and young talent on both sides of the ball , a Super Bowl was a very real possibility.
Obviously everything changed when Rodgers tore his Achilles four snaps into his tenure as the new Jets franchise QB, and apparently that affected Dalvin Cook’s intended role with the team.
Earlier this week, Cook and the New York Jets agreed to part ways with one game left this season, so Cook can join a playoff team.
There was a ton of speculation where he would land and his name was attached to the Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs.
Ultimately, the former Minnesota Vikings superstar opted to sign with the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, a team that has been hotter than any other in the NFL despite massive losses at the running back position.
Despite so much promise when healthy, Ravens starting running back JK Dobbins was injured in the opener against the Houston Texans and ruled out for the season.
When healthy, Dobbins has been an effective starting running back. He averaged 6.0 yards per carry during his rookie season and 5.7 yards per carry last year. In 23 games, Dobbins has rushed for 1,325 yards and 11 touchdowns with a 5.9 yards per carry average.
The Baltimore Ravens then found a gem in rookie RB Keaton Mitchell out of East Carolina, but lost him to a torn ACL and have primarily utilized Gus Edwards and Justice Hill out of the backfield, with veteran Melvin Gordon operating as the third back in recent weeks. Cook should probably be expected to take Gordon’s role, rather than immediately stepping into heavy usage, given his ineffectiveness throughout the season.
While his time with the Jets was admittedly frustrating, Dalvin Cook will now get to join a team poised for a playoff run. The Ravens locked up the No. 1 seed in the AFC, which gives them a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the postseason. He should provide a nice boost to their ground game, which is frequently led by quarterback Lamar Jackson. Gus Edwards is the Ravens’ leading rusher outside of Jackson with 762 yards and 13 touchdowns on 188 carries.
The former Jet initially signed to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad, but it’s inevitable he will be elevated for playoffs. Based on recent history, there’s no reason to think the former Florida State star can’t still produce at a high level if given the chance in the right situation.
While many speculate the Ravens are already the favorite to reach the Super Bowl in the AFC, this could turn out to be a critical late-season move for a franchise known for their ability to scout players and make key moves at the right time.
The Ravens will host the Pittsburgh Steelers in their regular-season finale this weekend. Though Cook won’t play on Saturday afternoon, he will be with the team for their first playoff game in a little more than two weeks.