Free agent running back Dalvin Cook had a tough 2023. Following an unceremonious release from the Minnesota Vikings, the four-time Pro Bowler signed on with the New York Jets just before the start of the season. At the time, Cook was supposed to be a complementary piece for Aaron Rodgers while easing the workload for the injured Breece Hall.
Unfortunately, that didn’t work out. Rodgers tore his Achilles after just four snaps and Hall was clearly the superior back. This led to Cook hardly seeing the field before asking for a release and joining the Baltimore Ravens for their playoff push.
Despite the underwhelming season, Dalvin Cook still believes that he can bring a lot to a new team as a free agent. During a recent appearance on KRPC, the running back spoke about his current skill set and how last year’s limited role was a blessing in disguise.
“I’ve got it all. The tools are still there. I didn’t really get no reps last year. So, the legs are fresh, so the resume speaks for itself. I’m still Dalvin Cook. I’m still that guy. For me, I don’t like to toot my own horn. I just like to go out there, put my helmet on and line up on the grass.”
Free Agent Dalvin Cook: “I’m Still That Guy”
Dalvin Cook might still believe in himself, but the numbers suggest the free agent is far past his prime. The running back had solid volume numbers in 2022, but he has one of the lowest rushing yards under expectation in the league. This essentially means that he was leaving yards on the field, and 2023 was no different. During his limited playing time, the four-time Pro Bowler averaged just 3.2 yards per carry.
Chances are, Dalvin Cook will have to wait until after the 2024 NFL Draft to sign as a free agent. This running back draft class is one of the worst in recent memory, and there aren’t enough young contributors to go around. If some teams miss out on their preferred targets, then they could give Cook a call.
Possible Destinations
Dallas Cowboys
If the season started today, the Dallas Cowboys would have Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn lining up behind Dak Prescott. Both running backs are fine role players, but neither one should be a Week 1 starter. Dalvin Cook may have lost a step, but the free agent is probably better than these two. Even if the Cowboys draft a running back like Jonathon Brooks, they could use a veteran like Cook to solidify the depth chart.
Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh believes in the power of the run game, but he currently doesn’t have the pieces to execute his style of offense. Gus Edwards is nothing special as a starter, and inevitable Chargers third-round pick Blake Corum is basically a carbon copy of the former Raven. Dalvin Cook brings a different element to Baltimore’s rushing attack and should be able to earn touches as a free agent.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rachaad White finished the 2023 season with a staggering 336 touches. While the former third-round pick used that volume to establish himself as one of the better pass-catching running backs in the game, he wasn’t all that efficient between the tackles. Dalvin Cook could ease some of White‘s workload if signed as a free agent and should be able to be decently efficient behind this solid offensive line.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers made many mistakes last year, but one of the biggest was signing Miles Sanders to an expensive contract. The former Eagle was one of the worst runners in the league last year by just about every metric, and Dalvin Cook could provide some much-needed competition as a free agent. While the Panthers have a few early draft picks, they have too many glaring needs to justify an early running back selection.
Miami Dolphins
When healthy, De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert are a dangerous running back duo tailor-made for Mike McDaniels’ scheme. However, the two running backs are not particularly good at staying healthy. Mostert’s career has been plagued by injuries while the undersized Achane struggled to stay healthy as a rookie. The Dolphins were linked to Dalvin Cook the last time he was a free agent, so perhaps the two sides can agree to terms this time around.
