The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant move to bolster their offense by signing running back Dalvin Cook. Cook, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, brings experience and a proven track record to an already high-powered offensive unit. The move comes after Cook worked out for Dallas on Tuesday, leading the team to sign him initially to the practice squad.
Dalvin Cook's Impressive Resume
Cook's career statistics speak for themselves. Over his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, he amassed 5,238 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns from 2019 onwards, making him the franchise's third-leading rusher with a total of 5,993 yards. His consistency was on full display as he rushed for at least 1,135 yards in each Pro Bowl season from 2019 to 2022. Although 2023 saw him split time between the New York Jets and the Baltimore Ravens, where he accumulated 214 rushing yards on 67 carries, his overall performance remains noteworthy.
Jerry Jones, the owner and general manager of the Cowboys, shared 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," said Jones. Highlighting Cook's current role, Jones added, "He’s initially on the practice squad, gives him a chance to get in here and learn the system."
Strengthening the Running Game
The Cowboys' offensive effort led the league in scoring last season with an average of 29.9 points per game. However, the team struggled with red zone efficiency, posting a 56.3% success rate. Jones believes Cook's addition will help address this issue, "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."
On the current roster, Cook joins a backfield featuring Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott, Deuce Vaughn, and fullback Hunter Luepke. Elliott, a seasoned veteran, has also received praise from Jones, "We’re all excited about what Zeke can do for us."
Cook's Health and Readiness
Cook's recent health has been a topic of discussion as he underwent shoulder surgery rehab during the 2024 offseason. Despite this, his workout performance for the Cowboys was promising. "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," noted Jones.
Challenges in the Defensive Unit
While the offensive side gains strength, the Cowboys' defensive unit faces challenges, particularly in the cornerback position. All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland is dealing with a foot injury, leaving a significant gap in the secondary. When queried about seeking external help to fill this void, Jerry Jones made it clear he was "not at all" interested in looking outside the organization.
Expectations Moving Forward
The addition of Dalvin Cook comes at a crucial time for the Cowboys. With ambitions of making a deep playoff run, bolstering the running game could prove to be a decisive factor. Cook's skill set and experience offer a promising prospect to elevate the team’s ground attack, making the Cowboys a more formidable opponent.
As Cook integrates into the squad, learning the system and getting into game shape will be essential. His initial placement on the practice squad will allow him time to acclimate, with the potential to become a key contributor as the season progresses.
For the Cowboys, this move signals a commitment to addressing both their strengths and weaknesses. With a reinforced backfield and a clear vision for their defensive challenges, the team looks to sustain its offensive dominance while shoring up its shortcomings. All eyes will be on Cook as he takes his first steps in Dallas, ready to make an impact both on and off the field.