The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant move to bolster their offensive options by signing four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. Cook, who previously played for the Minnesota Vikings, the New York Jets, and the Baltimore Ravens, joins the Cowboys after a rigorous workout session with the team on Tuesday. Initially, Cook will join the practice squad to adapt to the new system, as confirmed by team owner and general manager Jerry Jones.
Jones described the initial practice squad decision: "He’s initially on the practice squad, gives him a chance to get in here and learn the system." The owner continued, expressing his enthusiasm about the acquisition, "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."
Cook's NFL career has been nothing short of impressive. During his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, he achieved Pro Bowl honors in four out of his last five years and became the franchise's third-leading rusher with a total of 5,993 yards. His consistent performance was evident as he rushed for at least 1,135 yards in each Pro Bowl season from 2019 to 2022. Since 2019, he has accumulated 5,238 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns. However, in the 2023 regular season, Cook's productivity saw a slight decline, generating 214 rushing yards on 67 carries while playing for both the Jets and the Ravens.
The Cowboys' front office is particularly keen on addressing the team's red-zone inefficiencies from last season. Despite leading the NFL in scoring with an average of 29.9 points per game in 2023, the Cowboys struggled with red zone efficiency, posting a 56.3% success rate. Jones emphasized the role Cook could play in improving these statistics: "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."
Currently, the Cowboys' running back roster includes Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn, and fullback Hunter Luepke. Cook's addition is expected to bring a new dimension to this group, further enhancing the depth and versatility available to the coaching staff. "We’re all excited about what Zeke can do for us," Jones added, indicating the high expectations for the running back corps.
Cook's recent history includes a period of recuperation following shoulder surgery rehab in the 2024 offseason. The Cowboys are optimistic about his current condition, stating that his workout showed he is in good shape. "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," said Jones.
Another point of concern for the Cowboys is the foot injury sustained by All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland. Despite this setback, Jones remains staunch in his approach, stating he was "not at all" interested in seeking external help for the cornerback position. This position underscores his confidence in the existing roster and their ability to step up when needed.
As the Cowboys look towards the upcoming season, the addition of Dalvin Cook could prove to be a strategic masterstroke. His proven track record and versatility as a running back bring an added layer of strategy and depth to a team that already has a formidable offense. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see how Cook adapts to his new environment and what impact he will have as the Cowboys aim to maintain their high-scoring prowess while improving red zone efficiency.
Indeed, Jerry Jones’ vision for the Cowboys seems firmly set on addressing weaknesses and capitalizing on strengths. The anticipation surrounding Cook’s integration into the squad suggests that the Cowboys are once again gearing up for a competitive and thrilling season.