In a move that has the potential to significantly bolster their offense, the Dallas Cowboys have signed four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. Jerry Jones, the team’s owner and general manager, announced the acquisition following Cook's workout with the Cowboys on Tuesday. "He’s initially on the practice squad, gives him a chance to get in here and learn the system," Jones explained.
Cook brings an impressive resume to Dallas. During his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, he made the Pro Bowl in four of his last five years, amassing 5,238 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns since 2019. His consistent performance is further underscored by his status as the Vikings' third-leading rusher with 5,993 yards. Notably, Cook rushed for at least 1,135 yards in each of his Pro Bowl seasons from 2019 to 2022.
Cook's journey in 2023 saw him splitting time between the New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens, during which he accumulated 214 rushing yards on 67 carries. His offseason also included shoulder surgery rehab, which has been closely monitored by prospective teams, including the Cowboys. "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 said.
Addressing Offensive Needs
The Cowboys led the NFL in scoring during the 2023 regular season with an average of 29.9 points per game. However, their red zone efficiency, at 56.3%, left room for improvement. Jones acknowledged this area of concern: "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."
Cook's addition strengthens a running back corps that includes Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, rookie Deuce Vaughn, and fullback Hunter Luepke. Jones has expressed confidence in the group, highlighting Elliott's potential impact alongside Cook. "We’re all excited about what Zeke can do for us," Jones added.
Strategic Decisions Amidst Adversity
The signing comes at a critical juncture for the Cowboys, as they face challenges on the defensive side of the ball. All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland has suffered a foot injury, which could have prompted some teams to seek external help. However, Jones affirmed his commitment to the current roster: "not at all" interested in pursuing external options for the cornerback position. This strategic decision underscores Jones' confidence in the depth and talent already present within the team.
A Calculated Addition
Cook’s integration into the Cowboys' system will start on the practice squad, allowing him the time needed to acclimate to the team's playbook and ethos. "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 remarked, indicating that the Cowboys had been eyeing Cook for some time.
As Cook settles in with his new team, the potential impact on the Cowboys' already potent offense is substantial. His proven track record of performance at the highest level, combined with the Cowboys' offensive prowess, sets the stage for what could be an electrifying addition to their roster. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how Cook assimilates and contributes to a team with aspirations for deep playoff runs.