The Dallas Cowboys have made a substantial move to bolster their running game by signing four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook. This acquisition comes just days after Cook worked out for the team, demonstrating that he remains in competitive shape.
Cook, who has made a significant impact during his years with the Minnesota Vikings, joins the Cowboys initially as a member of the practice squad. "He's initially on the practice squad, gives him a chance to get in here and learn the system," stated Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones, highlighting the transitional phase for the veteran player.
During his tenure with the Vikings, Cook amassed 5,238 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns since 2019, making him the team's third-leading rusher with a total of 5,993 yards. His consistency is evidenced by the fact that he rushed for at least 1,135 yards in each of his Pro Bowl seasons from 2019 to 2022. But 2023 was a year of change for Cook, as he found himself playing for both the New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens, though his production saw a dip with 214 rushing yards on 67 carries during the regular season.
Strengthening the Offense
The Cowboys' offense led the NFL in scoring with an average of 29.9 points per game in 2023. However, they recognize the need for improvement, particularly in red zone efficiency where they converted only 56.3% of their attempts. "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." Jones' comments reflect his confidence that Cook's addition can help shore up this critical aspect of their game.
Joining a roster that already includes Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn, and fullback Hunter Luepke, Cook’s experience and talent provide a welcome depth to the team's running back options. "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," shared Jones, expressing his long-term interest in acquiring a player of Cook’s calibre.
No Urgency for External Help on Defense
On the defensive side, the Cowboys have encountered setbacks with All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland suffering a foot injury. Despite this, Jones expressed no interest in seeking help from outside the organization for the cornerback position, stating he was "not at all" inclined to explore external options at this juncture.
The team seems to remain confident in their current defensive roster's ability to step up in Bland's absence. This approach underscores the Cowboys' focus on fostering and relying on homegrown talent whenever possible, rather than making urgent moves in the free agent market.
Cook's Potential Impact
Cook’s arrival comes after his offseason devoted to rehabbing from shoulder surgery. The Cowboys' faith in Cook's physical readiness was reinforced by a thorough workout that met the team's standards. "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 noted.
As Cook begins to adapt to the Cowboys’ playbook and rhythms, the potential for him to transition from practice squad to significant game-time action remains high. Given his track record, it would not be surprising to see Cook make considerable contributions once fully integrated.
In sum, the Cowboys appear poised to enhance an already potent offense with the addition of Dalvin Cook. Concurrently, they maintain a steady course with their defensive strategy amidst injury challenges. This balanced approach could set the stage for a dynamic, yet stable, season ahead for America's Team.