Dalvin Cook, Jets Mutually Agree to Part Ways; RB Could Join Super Bowl Contender
January 2, 2024
The New York Jets and veteran running back Dalvin Cook have mutually agreed to part ways.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero relayed the news from Cook's representation. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Cook agreed to restructure his contract to forfeit all remaining guarantees.
Tom Pelissero @TomPelisseroFour-time Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook and the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jets?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jets</a> have mutually agreed to part ways, allowing Cook the opportunity to play for a playoff team, per his agency <a href="https://twitter.com/LAASportsEnt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LAASportsEnt</a>.<br><br>The dynamic playmaker has fresh legs after minimal usage in NY and can now compete for a Super Bowl. <a href="https://t.co/fhIjZo5tNw">pic.twitter.com/fhIjZo5tNw</a>
The 28-year-old Cook, a four-time Pro Bowler, signed a one-year, $7 million deal with the Jets in August after the Minnesota Vikings released him following a six-season stint. He posted 67 carries for 214 yards (3.2 yards per carry) over 15 games. Cook added another 15 receptions for 78 yards.
Cook ultimately never got going in New York. Playing time was hard for him to come by behind starter Breece Hall, who has excelled in his second NFL season (1,395 yards from scrimmage, eight touchdowns).
By the time his tenure in New York ended, Cook was third on the depth chart behind rookie Israel Abanikanda. He also didn't play at all in a 37-20 loss to the Cleveland Browns last Thursday.
When on the field, Cook struggled, posting a career-low yards-per-carry mark. In fairness to him, he endured a long offseason of recovery after undergoing shoulder surgery in February. Cook seemed like a far different back than the one who rushed for 4.4 YPC and gained 1,468 yards from scrimmage (alongside 10 scores) the year before.
We'll see if any playoff-bound team takes a chance on Cook to round out the backfield as the 2023 season winds down.
At the very least, it appears he left a positive impact on Hall:
Head coach Robert Saleh also provided kind words the day after the Browns loss.
"Dalvin has been great. I know this has been a hard season for him," Saleh told reporters.
"I haven't played professional football, but being around it, you know when a player is hurting and I know he's hurting, but his story is not over. He still has plenty of juice in his legs, but he's been great."
Now Cook looks toward his future as he hopes to begin his third NFL chapter elsewhere.