One of the “best” fits for the newly released four-time Pro Bowl running back is the Dallas Cowboys.
After being released by the New York Jets, Cook has four “best” fit destinations, according to Jacob Camenker of Sporting News, including the Cowboys.
The primary justification offered by Camenker for Cook’s possible inclusion is Dallas’ ineffectiveness when Tony Pollard, starting for the first time in his career, as the top running back. Pollard is averaging a career-low 4.0 yards per rush this season after averaging 5.2 yards per carry in his first Pro Bowl performance last season, which came after Ezekiel Elliott was released.
In the 2023 NFL offseason, “the Cowboys threw their trust in Tony Pollard and moved on from veteran starter Ezekiel Elliott to do so,” Camenker writes. “The results haven’t been great; Pollard has given up some of his workload to Rico Dowdle in recent weeks and is averaging a career-worst 4.0 yards per carry.”
Why Dalvin Cook Could Be Signed by the Cowboys
Pollard has actually given up some of the responsibility in a few recent games, most notably in the team’s victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 14. This was mentioned by Camenker. During the game, Pollard rushed the ball 16 times for 59 yards (3.7 yards per carry), whereas Dowdle only carried the ball 12 times for 46 yards (3.8 yards per carry) and one touchdown.
Pollard had 15 carries for 55 yards, while Dowdle carried the ball 12 times for 79 yards (6.6 yards per carry) and one touchdown in a victory over the New York Giants back in November.
Due to an ankle injury, Dowdle was unable to play in the team’s victory over the Detroit Lions in Week 17. With just 49 yards gained from 16 carries, Pollard’s average carry size was 3.1 yards.
Cook’s career-low 3.2 yards per rush this season has made him one of the NFL’s least productive running backs, although some of it may be attributed to the Jets’ uninspired offense.
It hasn’t helped that Cook hasn’t had consistent playing time because he is Breece Hall’s backup. Cook did not play a single offensive snap in the team’s Week 17 matchup with the Cleveland Browns, despite being active for the game.
Cook appeared on just five snaps at the Washington Commanders game the week before.
Cook might step in for Dowdle, as Camenker points out, and Jerry Jones, the team’s owner, has a history of bringing in big names.
Cook would make sense as a substitute for Dowdle given his current injury, according to Camenker. “He might perform better behind Dallas’ potent offensive line and help limit Pollard’s touches while providing a slightly more dynamic playmaking ability than Dowdle.” Under Jerry Jones, the Cowboys have a history of pursuing big names, so the chance to sign Cook for a low cost would pique their curiosity to the point where they decide to make the move.
Dalvin Cook Was Once “Intrigued” by the Thought of Playing for the Cowboys
It’s important to remember that Cook expressed interest in joining the Cowboys during the trade deadline when he was available.
Back in November, Fowler wrote, “I’m told that Cook was intrigued about possibly playing for Dallas or Baltimore, though neither team really entertained the perceived positional need at the deadline.” “Cook simply wants to play, and perhaps New York can still support him in that regard.”
The acquisition makes great sense for the Cowboys, who clearly need a complementing back to Pollard, and Cook, who wants to play for a Super Bowl contender.
