In a significant move to bolster their already formidable offense, the Dallas Cowboys have signed four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook, who recently played for both the New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens. Cook, who worked out for Dallas on Tuesday, will initially join the practice squad—a move that allows him time to acclimate to the Cowboys' system.
Jerry Jones, the owner and general manager of the Cowboys, expressed his satisfaction with the acquisition. "He’s initially on the practice squad, gives him a chance to get in here and learn the system," Jones said. "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."
A Strong Addition
Dalvin Cook's arrival brings an impressive resume to the Cowboys. Cook made the Pro Bowl in four out of his last five years with the Minnesota Vikings, becoming their third-leading rusher with 5,993 yards. From 2019 to 2022, he rushed for at least 1,135 yards each season and amassed 5,238 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns since 2019. In the 2023 regular season, he accumulated 214 rushing yards on 67 carries while splitting time between the New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens.
Jones emphasized the importance of improving the Cowboys' red zone efficiency, an area they struggled in last season with a 56.3% success rate. "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.
Building Depth in the Backfield
The addition of Cook adds considerable depth to a running back corps that includes Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn, and fullback Hunter Luepke. While Cook is initially on the practice squad, his experience and performance indicate he could be a key contributor as the season progresses. "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.
Despite Cook's signing, the Cowboys remain confident in their existing roster. Jones expressed his continued faith in longtime running back Ezekiel Elliott, stating, "We’re all excited about what Zeke can do for us."
Challenges and Opportunities
However, it’s not all smooth sailing for the Cowboys. All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland is currently sidelined with a foot injury, though Jones remains unconcerned about seeking external help for the secondary. "I’m not at all interested in seeking external help for the cornerback position," he stated, signaling confidence in the team’s current roster and depth.
As the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season, the acquisition of a player like Dalvin Cook could prove to be a crucial move. With his proven track record and the added motivation of fitting into a new team, Cook has the potential to make a significant impact. His ability to contribute to an already high-scoring offense—one that led the NFL with an average of 29.9 points per game in 2023—cannot be overstated.
Additionally, Cook’s off-season shoulder surgery rehab appears to have gone well, adding to the optimism surrounding his signing. The Cowboys' decision to bring Cook into the fold reflects a strategic move designed to ensure that they have multiple reliable options in the backfield, crucial for maintaining a high-powered offense throughout the grueling NFL season.
With the season fast approaching, all eyes will be on how quickly Cook can integrate into the Cowboys' system and how much of an impact he can make. If he can replicate the form that made him a perennial Pro Bowler, Dallas might have found the piece that takes them from playoff contenders to serious Super Bowl threats.