Veteran running back Dalvin Cook is signing with the Baltimore Ravens, according to CBS Sports HQ Senior NFL
Insider Josina Anderson. This comes days after the two agreed to part ways with the New York Jets and maybe
minutes after clearing waivers.
For the most part, Cook’s time with the Jets was forgettable. The 28-year-old, who was cut by the Minnesota Vikings
in the offseason, inked a one-year contract with the Jets in August, seemingly capping an incredible offseason
highlighted by the signing of Aaron Rodgers. Naturally, Rodgers’ 2023 stay lasted only four snaps before he tore his
Achilles tendon, which caused New York’s season to go apart and left them out of the playoff picture as the team
entered the last week of play at 6-10.
Cook got 16 touches in Week 1, but as the season progressed, he experienced a decline in his role. He only had
double-digit carries once all season long in the opener; as we approach Week 18, he has only 67 carries. After
participating in half of the offensive plays during Week 1, he was limited to playing in only 36% of the subsequent
offensive plays. Before the trade deadline in October of last year, Cook had acknowledged that his lack of touches was
“frustrating” and that he would speak with general manager Joe Douglas about a potential trade, but no move
materialized.
Cook got just five snaps (6% of the game) against the Commanders in Week 16, which turned out to be his final game
with the Jets. In the defeat to Cleveland last week, he was a healthy scratch.
Due to an ACL tear, Baltimore lost J.K. Dobbins for the entire season in Week 1 and also lost explosive rookie Keaton
Mitchell. In recent weeks, the Ravens have mostly used veteran Melvin Gordon as the third back, with Gus Edwards
and Justice Hill serving as the backfield’s primary options. Considering how unsuccessful Gordon has been this
season, it is arguably more reasonable to expect Cook to step into Gordon’s job rather than assume a major role right
away.
