The Dallas Cowboys continue to shock us with the sudden and uncharacteristic aggressiveness they have displayed over the past few weeks. This time, they have added a 4x Pro Bowler to the running back room to compete for a job.
Dalvin Cook, the long-time Minnesota Viking and one-year player for the New York Jets, has finally landed a contract with the Cowboys. It has been rumored since before the 2023 season ended that Cook could end up in Dallas.
It took the entire offseason, but Cook is on his way to Arlington to sign a contract to put a star on his helmet for the 2024 season. Add Cook to the list of recent signings: defensive tackles Jordan Phillips and Linval Joseph, and DE Carl Lawson.
What Does This Mean for the Offense?
To me, it means they don’t have the utmost confidence in what is currently on the roster at running back. The depth chart reads Ezekiel Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, and fullback Hunter Luepke.
Not exactly a murderer’s row of talent in the backfield, and we haven’t seen Ezekiel Elliott carry the ball beyond team reps in practice. Dowdle is explosive, but he isn’t a game-changer. Vaughn is shifty, but undersized and unable to carry the load.
Cook has over 1,400 career carries to his name, so he brings experience, but how much does he have left in the tank? The Cowboys already have an experienced running back with over 2,000 carries. Elliott has managed almost 700 more carries than Cook in just one more year in the league.
I assume that Mike McCarthy and staff feel that Cook can come in and raise the talent level in the running back room and rekindle some of the magic during his time in Minnesota.
What Does This Mean for Dalvin Cook?
First, it means he gets another chance to showcase the talent that earned him four Pro Bowl nods as a member of the Vikings. Cook was selected to four consecutive Pro Bowls between 2019 and 2023.
He was considered one of the best running backs in the NFL during that time, eclipsing 1,100 yards rushing each year, and scoring 43 touchdowns while averaging 4.7 yards per carry.
Not only can he carry the football, but he is/was one of the best receiving backs in all football. Just ask my fantasy teams year in and year out.
It’s already been reported that Cook will be starting on the practice squad, but that’s just until he gets up to speed. He might not be available for week 1 at Cleveland while he ramps up, but I expect him to suit up and play in the regular season sooner rather than later.
Don’t let one year in New York fool you. The Jets’ offensive line was terrible, and it showed in week 1 when pressure on new QB Aaron Rodgers resulted in him tearing his Achilles tendon just two plays into the game.
What Does This Mean for the Rest of the RB Room?
It feels like somewhat of a strange move regarding Ezekiel Elliott. This is one of those times when it’s difficult to put my finger on what the front office is thinking by signing Cook.
Usually, running back rooms have one established veteran surrounded by younger talent. In this case, two 29-year old running backs at the top of the depth chart is a head scratcher.
Elliott didn’t suit up for any of the preseason games, a clear indicator that his spot is secure, and the Cowboys didn’t need to see any more of him before the regular season. The most likely scenario is Cook and Elliott will be active at the same time, and split carries.
Deuce Vaughn will spell those two from time to time, and might even be inactive for gameday depending on the offensive gameplan.
