In a season rife with challenges and speculations, the Dallas Cowboys have decisively moved to bolster their ranks by signing four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. This move comes on the heels of All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland’s unfortunate foot injury, which has pushed the Cowboys into the spotlight for their roster management decisions.
A Calculated Addition
Jerry Jones, the ever-confident owner and general manager of the Cowboys, has remained steadfast in his belief in the current roster. Despite Bland’s injury, Jones declared, he was "not at all" interested in seeking external help for the cornerback position, showcasing his faith in the depth of his squad. Instead, his focus shifted to the offensive capabilities, notably the running back position, where Dalvin Cook’s signing is poised to make a significant impact.
Cook, who worked out for Dallas on Tuesday and was subsequently signed, will initially join the practice squad. Jones confirmed this addition on Wednesday, stating, “He’s initially on the practice squad, gives him a chance to get in here and learn the system.” The star running back's prior experience under the Cowboys' new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer during his time with the Minnesota Vikings is expected to smooth his transition into the Cowboys' fold. Cook, during his tenure with the Vikings, made the Pro Bowl in four out of his last five years, amassing a remarkable 5,238 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns since 2019.
A Storied Career
Cook entered the NFL spotlight primarily due to his impressive seasons with the Vikings, where he became the franchise's third-leading rusher with 5,993 yards, trailing only Robert Smith and Adrian Peterson. His ability to consistently perform at a high level is underscored by his rushing for at least 1,135 yards in each of his Pro Bowl seasons from 2019 to 2022. However, his 2023 season saw a dip in performance while playing for both the New York Jets and later the Baltimore Ravens, where he accumulated 214 rushing yards on 67 carries during the regular season.
Cook’s recent performance might not reflect his prime days, but he remains a valuable asset, especially for a team eyeing tactical diversification in their offense. As Jones put it, “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.” Evidently, those circumstances did align, much to Jones’ satisfaction.
The Red Zone Challenge
The Cowboys' offense, under Mike McCarthy's play-calling, led the NFL in scoring with an average of 29.9 points per game in 2023. However, their red zone efficiency, marked by a 56.3% touchdown rate, showcased their need for improvement. Jones highlighted this, saying, “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.”
The team’s current roster of running backs, including Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn, and fullback Hunter Luepke, reflects a well-rounded and flexible unit. Elliott, in particular, remains a focal point, with Jones expressing optimism about what Elliott brings to the table: “We’re all excited about what Zeke can do for us.” The addition of Cook is expected to add depth and strategic options, allowing the Cowboys to adapt dynamically to game situations.
Looking Ahead
Jones remains optimistic about Cook’s potential contributions, attributing Cook’s recent shoulder surgery rehab as a turning point. Reports suggest that Cook has used much of the 2024 offseason for recovery, and he’s reportedly feeling the best he has in years. “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.
As the Cowboys gear up for what promises to be an intense season, the addition of Cook is more than just a stopgap measure; it reflects a strategic vision aimed at enhancing their offensive arsenal. With Jones confident in his team’s current setup and coaching staff, the focus will be on assimilating Cook into their system and potentially reigniting his career alongside key veterans and emerging stars. The Cowboys' faithful will undoubtedly be watching keenly as this new chapter unfolds.