In a significant move that could shape their upcoming season, the Dallas Cowboys have inked a deal with four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. Fresh off a workout in Dallas, Cook's addition is immediately impactful, even as he initially joins the practice squad to acquaint himself with the system.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones expressed his optimism about Cook's integration. "He’s initially on the practice squad, gives him a chance to get in here and learn the system," Jones stated. Familiarity with the playbook will be crucial for Cook to contribute effectively to the league's highest-scoring offense in 2023, which averaged an impressive 29.9 points per game.
Cook's illustrious career boasts significant accomplishments, including 5,238 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns since 2019. His tenure with the Minnesota Vikings was marked by consistency and excellence, securing him Pro Bowl selections in four of his last five seasons. His career-high performances included rushing for over 1,135 yards in each of those Pro Bowl seasons from 2019 to 2022.
Despite a challenging 2023 season where he split time between the New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens, tallying 214 rushing yards on 67 carries, Cook remains a formidable presence in the backfield. Jones highlighted Cook's shape and readiness. "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 remarked.
The Cowboys' current stable of running backs is already deep, featuring Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn, and fullback Hunter Luepke. The addition of Cook provides an added layer of proficiency and depth, particularly in the red zone, where Dallas saw a 56.3% efficiency rate 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 noted.
Cook brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record with the Vikings, having accumulated a total of 5,993 yards, making him the third-leading rusher in the franchise's history. Despite his success, Cook underwent shoulder surgery rehab during the 2024 offseason, a factor the Cowboys likely considered during their evaluation.
The Cowboys’ decision to bring in Cook comes at a time when the team is dealing with an unfortunate blow to their defense. All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland is nursing a foot injury, and yet, Jones has chosen not to seek external help for this position. "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 said, indicating the methodical approach the team is taking with its roster.
While Bland's injury poses a challenge, Jones' confidence in the existing squad is unwavering. "We’re all excited about what Zeke can do for us," he added, signaling trust in Ezekiel Elliott's continued contributions alongside the newly signed Cook.
As Dalvin Cook steps onto the practice field in Dallas, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how quickly he adapts and how much he can further enhance an already potent offense. The integration of Cook could be the key to sustaining the high-octane performance that has become synonymous with Cowboys football.