Dalvin Cook and the New York Jets have agreed to part ways. The seasoned running back will be on the market to play for a Super Bowl-contending team. Tom Pelissero posted on his X account that “Four-time Pro-Bowl RB Dalvin Cook and the Jets have mutually agreed to part ways.”
The veteran tailback saw a glaring decline in his only season with New York. The Minnesota Vikings released Cook after spending his first six seasons with them. Over the summer, he signed with the Jets in hopes of contending for a Super Bowl with Aaron Rodgers.
Dalvin Cook Jets Tenure
The four-time Pro Bowl Bowler saw his playing time diminish for weeks. Things hit a new low when he didn’t play a single snap Thursday night vs. the Browns – a career first. Cook only had 67 carries for 214 yards in the 15 games he played. On offense, he only had 202 snaps, his lowest since his injury-plagued rookie year with the Vikings in 2017.
Cook hitting the free agent market in the summer was one of the big stories in the offseason. The Jets signed him on Aug. 14 on a one-year deal for $7 million, with $5.8 million in guarantees. He chose the Jets for the opportunity to play with Aaron Rodgers, who was sidelined with a season-ending injury in week one.
Before Rodgers got hurt, Cook was seen as the missing piece for the Jets’ Super Bowl chances. The plan for the running game was for Cook to have the bulk of carries while Breece Hall eases in the offense, recovering from his ACL tear in 2022. Things changed quickly as Hall emerged in the tailback position. Cook only had 13 rushes in week one against the Buffalo Bills and didn’t hit double digits afterward.
He then went from playing five snaps in the tight week 16 victory over the Washington Commanders to no snaps against the Browns Thursday night. Recently, the 6-10 Jets began taking rookie Israel Abanikanda. That left Cook having no role in the offense, which is strange despite his accomplished career.
It was announced that Cook signed with the Baltimore Ravens on January 4th.
What Does Cook’s release mean for the Jets?
Introducing Israel Abanikanda
While Cook’s disappointing season with New York is over, he could sign with some teams contending for Super Bowl runs. Teams like the San Franciso 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Philadelphia Eagles, despite their recent struggles. With Cook gone, this could leave rookie running back Israel Abanikanda with a more significant role in 2024.
The Jets took the Pittsburgh star in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL draft. He will have to carry a massive load with Breece Hall as the team wraps up their season against the New England Patriots. Against the Washington Commanders in Week 16, Abanikanda had nine rushes for 43 yards. He had four receptions on seven targets Thursday night against the Browns while also having his first NFL fumble.
His scouting report noted that he has the frame of an NFL running back, with good speed and footwork. Making up for losing quarterback Kedon Slovis, Abankianda finished his last year in Pittsburgh with 1,577 yards and 21 touchdowns, averaging 6.0 yards per rush. This led him to be a first-team All-ACC selection.
With the Jets eliminated from playoff contention, they must work with what they have at running back. New York must continue to use Hall and give Abanikanda more opportunities to show why they drafted him. The Jets will seek to end their season on a high note in week 18 against division rival New England Patriots. With fresh legs under him, Cook could find himself with a legit Super Bowl contender right before the playoffs.
Main Image: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
