Dalvin Cook, a four-time Pro Bowl running back, has probably not had the year he had hoped for. when six seasons with the Vikings, during which he carried for 5,993 yards and 47 touchdowns, Minnesota released him in June 2023 when he refused to accept a pay cut.
Cook would join with the Jets ahead of the 2023 season, but his production was restricted by the return of running back Breece Hall, who tore his ACL and meniscus in the middle of the 2022 season.
Over 15 games, Cook rushed for just 214 yards and zero touchdowns.
New York and Cook agreed to mutually part ways in January of 2024 and he signed with the Ravens shortly after. Cook would make his debut against the Houston Texans in the divisional round of the playoffs but Baltimore fell to the Kansas Chiefs the following week in the AFC title game.
The 28-year-old is still looking for his next opportunity, and while he has been “taking calls” from teams, he wants to make sure his next team gives him the best chance to be successful after a disappointing year.
“Just really focusing on myself,” Cook said, via Aaron Wilson of KPRC. “Getting ready for training camp, getting ready for what’s coming up next. For me, like you said, patience is the key. Right now the only thing I’m really focusing on is getting myself in tip-top shape to really tote the rock come the fall.”
It feels unlikely that whichever team would sign Cook at this point of the offseason would view him as its No. 1 running back. Unless Cook impresses early, only an injury would propel him into the starting lineup.
Maybe that’s what he’s waiting for, however. Cook didn’t sign with the Jets until mid-August last year and it seems he’s willing to exercise his patience once again.
Of course, this time he’s hoping it will work out a lot better than it did in New York.
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