Apparently, the Dallas Cowboys are suddenly “all in” on upgrading the team ahead of the Sept. 8 season opener against the Cleveland Browns.
On the same day the Cowboys finally came to terms with hold out receiver CeeDee Lamb on a four-year, $136 million contract extension, the team flew in free agent running back Dalvin Cook for a meeting Monday night.
That the Cowboys are kicking the tires on Cook, 29, who went to four straight Pro Bowls from 2019-2022 with the Minnesota Vikings, is certain evidence they are not happy with their current running back situation and are looking for an upgrade ahead of final cuts on Tuesday.
Cook has a history with Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer, the former head coach of the Vikings.
But what does he still left in the tank.
The Vikings released him before the start of camp in 2023. And he played 15 games with the Jets a backup where his numbers dropped considerably.
Cook recorded 214 rushing yards on 3.2 yards per carry with the Jets. His previous career low was 4.4 yards per carry in 2022.
The Jets released him before the season final and he signed with the Baltimore Ravens for the playoffs. He carried the ball eight times for 23 yards in two playoff games.
Cook went unsigned in free agency and is now being looked as an option by the Cowboys, whose list of running backs options include Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Royce Freeman and Deuce Vaughn.
Elliott, 29, a former two-time rushing champion with the Cowboys, signed with the New England Patriots in 2023 after being cut by the Cowboys because of a high salary and declining production.
He led the Patriots in rushing in receiving last season _ totaling 645 yards and three touchdowns on 3.5 yards on the ground and 313 yards and two touchdowns on 51 catches.
The Cowboys brought him back to help bolster their short yardage and goal line offense. But there is a decided lack of fire power from a group that is considered the worst running back room in the NFL.
Might Cook provide an upgrade?
The Cowboys are taking a look, at least.
1 Comment
soulchild
I don’t think Cook has much left, but I’m curious if he’d be content being the third option here, essentially never playing. And if he turns out to be better than Zeke, would Zeke be okay with being the third option? At what point do we stop bringing in so many mediocre veterans who are still used to getting the ball?