Dalvin Cook’s New York Jets career has come to an end
An unsuccessful season has led to the early departure of a big offseason signing for the New York Jets.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Jets and running back Dalvin Cook “mutually agreed to part ways” on Tuesday afternoon. The move, according to the NFL Network insider, was to give Cook an opportunity to play for a playoff team.
Four-time Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook and the #Jets have mutually agreed to part ways, allowing Cook the opportunity to play for a playoff team, per his agency @LAASportsEnt.
The dynamic playmaker has fresh legs after minimal usage in NY and can now compete for a Super Bowl. pic.twitter.com/fhIjZo5tNw
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 2, 2024
Cook, 28, was billed as a key addition to the Jets’ offense this offseason. Signed to a deal with $5.8 million guaranteed, it seemed that the former Viking would help the rushing attack until Breece Hall fully regained his pre-injury form.
That did not end up being the case. In 15 games, Cook only mustered 214 yards on 67 carries (3.2 yards per carry). He also added 78 receiving yards on 15 receptions. Cook scored zero touchdowns and lost two fumbles.
One factor in Cook’s lack of production was Hall’s quick return to form. The star running back immediately burst onto the scene in Week 1 and wasted no time reclaiming his role as the Jets’ workhorse, pushing Cook into a limited role.
Regardless of Hall’s production, Cook looked considerably slower and less explosive when he did get opportunities. Cook’s longest run of the season only went for 14 yards. Additionally, Cook struggled to break tackles, seeing his yards after contact per attempt drop to a career-worst 2.21 (63rd among 65 running backs with 50+ carries).
The signing of Cook will go down as another failure by general manager Joe Douglas. No matter the thought process, the money earmarked for Cook could have been utilized for more offensive line depth or a backup quarterback. Paired with signings like Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman, it is evident that Douglas’s signings in the 2023 offseason played a massive role in the team’s failures.
As the Jets move toward 2024, they will most likely need to add another running back to a room that has released Zonovan Knight, Michael Carter, and now Dalvin Cook this season.
