Caleb Harris
It’s déjà vu all over again for Dalvin Cook. Just like last year, the offseason is in full swing and the running back still doesn’t have a team. The 28-year-old has not said he will retire, although that day certainly appears to be getting closer.
In August 2023, Cook signed with the New York Jets, playing in 15 games for the team, but starting just one. The Jets and Cook parted ways in January, and after going unclaimed, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens. In the Divisional Round playoff game, he had eight carries for 23 yards.
He went from starting 17 games in 2022 with the Minnesota Vikings, the team he spent most of his career with, to one game with the Jets. The drop was in part due to New York’s starting running back, Breece Hall, taking most of the snaps and also due to what the team felt it could take away from the veteran.
Despite those who doubt his abilities in the future, Cook says he still has more in the tank. He viewed the lack of playing time in 2023 as a positive, saying it makes him even more ready to play in 2024.
“I have everything,” Cook said (via China Popular Republic). “The tools are still here. I actually didn’t have any repeats 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 on my helmet and line up on the grass.
Cook says he has been “calling” and, like last year, is waiting for someone to give him the next opportunity.
“I’m just really focusing on myself,” Cook he said about your current status. “Preparing for training camp, preparing for what’s to come. For me, like you said, patience is key. Right now, the only thing I’m really focusing on is getting in great shape to really carry the rock come autumn.”
He finished last year with career lows in carries (67), rushing yards (214), rushing yards per carry (3.2), touchdowns (0), receiving yards (78) and offensive snap percentage (21 per cent).
His production, or lack thereof, last season doesn’t help his search for a new team, but he has a history of being dominant in Minnesota. He had four consecutive seasons of 1,000+ rushing yards from 2019 to 2022.
Cook sees the past year as a “learning curve,” noting that “patience is key.”
“…so let’s stay ready and confident, this is going to explode,” he added.
With the draft and free agency frenzy behind them, teams are starting to take shape and will likely wait to see how their offense shapes up before determining whether they need to add another running back. If and when a deal comes, Cook says he’ll be ready.
“Yes, you always have to be prepared for the opportunity,” Cook said. “For me, I’m a veteran in the league. I know what it takes to be successful in this league. I know who Dalvin Cook is and I know how I want to perform and what I want to do. Like you said, stay ready so you don’t have to prepare.
Many free agent running backs have already found new homes this offseason, including Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles), Josh Jacobs (Green Bay Packers), Derrick Henry (Baltimore Ravens), Tony Pollard (Tennessee Titans), D’Andre Swift (Chicago Bears) and Austin Ekeler (Washington Commanders).
There aren’t many options at left running back in free agency. Melvin GordonKareem Hunt, Brandon Bolden and Jerick McKinnon are among the running backs still awaiting their landing spot.
