The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant addition to their roster by signing four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. The move comes amid concerns over the health of All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland, who is currently dealing with a foot injury. Despite this, Jerry Jones, the team's owner and general manager, has expressed confidence in the current squad, stating he's "not at all" interested in looking outside for help in the cornerback position.
Cook, who worked out for the Cowboys on Tuesday, joins the team initially on the practice squad. "He's initially on the practice squad, gives him a chance to get in here and learn the system," noted Jones. This strategic decision allows Cook to acclimate to the Cowboys' playbook and gradually integrate himself into the team dynamics.
Dalvin Cook's impressive resume includes making the Pro Bowl in four out of his last five seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. Over his tenure in Minnesota, Cook amassed 5,238 rushing yards and scored 43 touchdowns since 2019. He stands as the Vikings' third-leading rusher with a total of 5,993 yards.
Jones has long eyed an opportunity to bolster the Cowboys' running back position with a player of Cook's caliber. "We had hoped that as time went along in this offseason, we would have an opportunity to maybe look at a player of his stature if the right circumstances came along," Jones explained. The stars have seemingly aligned as Cook steps in to potentially elevate an already potent Cowboys offense.
Cook's Recent Performance
In the 2023 season, Cook had stints with the New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens, managing to accumulate 214 rushing yards on 67 carries. Though these numbers are relatively modest compared to his previous Pro Bowl seasons—where he rushed for at least 1,135 yards each season from 2019 to 2022—Cook's experience and skill set are undeniable assets for the Cowboys.
"We had a workout for him. He’s in good shape. He’ll get a lot more work. He will learn the system as he goes, and he could really help us out this year," Jones commented. This optimism reflects the belief that Cook still has a lot to offer, especially with a gradual integration that could see him in peak form when called upon.
Enhancing the Red Zone Efficiency
One of the glaring areas where the Cowboys have looked to improve is their red zone efficiency, which stood at 56.3% in 2023. "We needed to have improvement, especially in that red zone, needed to have improvement getting in that end zone with that running game. This all bolsters that up. I’m really pleased with where we are right now at running back," Jones emphasized.
The addition of Cook to a running back corps that already includes Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn, and fullback Hunter Luepke, offers a more dynamic and versatile attack that could prove crucial in high-stakes moments. Cook underwent shoulder surgery rehab during the 2024 offseason, and his recovery and form will be critical in determining his impact.
High Hopes for Ezekiel Elliott
Jerry Jones also expressed enthusiasm for Ezekiel Elliott, highlighting the potential for a revitalized offensive drive. "We’re all excited about what Zeke can do for us," Jones stated, indicating that Elliott remains a key figure in the Cowboys' plans.
The Cowboys have certainly made waves with this signing, setting the stage for what could be an exciting season. With Dalvin Cook on board, the focus now shifts to integrating him effectively and leveraging his skills to enhance an already high-scoring offense that led the NFL with an average of 29.9 points per game in 2023. As Cook gets more acquainted with the playbook and his new teammates, the potential for explosive plays and a formidable running game becomes all the more promising.