The New York Jets and running back Dalvin Cook mutually agreed to part ways, according to multiple reports. Cook was officially released on Wednesday.
Cook struggled mightily with the Jets this season. The four-time Pro Bowler rushed for 214 yards on 67 carries, averaging a disappointing 3.2 yards per carry. Cook was expected to form a one-two punch alongside Breece Hall but consistently conceded work to a better-performing Hall.
Cook is no longer a workhorse back, but playoff-contending teams could be interested in adding another layer to their backfield. We've identified three playoff-bound franchises that may possess interest in signing Cook.
DALLAS COWBOYS
The Cowboys are expected to clinch the NFC East with a win over the Washington Commanders on Sunday. The Cowboys are legitimate contenders to represent the conference in Super Bowl LVIII. Jerry Jones should look to add potential contributors ahead of the impending playoff run.
Backup running back Rico Dowdle has been nursing an injury. Tony Pollard isn’t a bell cow and has been consistently more productive throughout his career when part of a stable of backs. Pollard has just one 100-rushing-yard performance this season, and it occurred way back in Week 3. Mike McCarthy is an offensive-minded leader who could create a role for Cook in his backfield.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Jerome Ford and Kareem Hunt formed the duo that replaced Nick Chubb in Cleveland. Ford has enjoyed an up-and-down season. He was outstanding against the Jets on Thursday, accounting for 121 yards and two touchdowns. In the two contests prior, Ford was limited to 25 and 20 rushing yards, respectively. At this stage of his career, Hunt has been nothing more than a goal-line and short-yardage back. The Browns will want to be a run-heavy offense throughout the playoffs.
There’s also a notable connection tying Cook to the Browns’ coaching staff. Head coach Kevin Stefanski spent three seasons coaching Cook in Minnesota, including a two-year stint as the offensive coordinator. Cook qualified for his first of four consecutive Pro Bowls under Stefanski’s tutelage in 2019. We wouldn’t be surprised if Stefanski was interested in pursuing a reunion with Cook ahead of the playoffs.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
The Kansas City Chiefs have a crowded backfield with Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Jerick McKinnon, but all three of them have been fighting through setbacks as of late. Edwards-Helaire was inactive for Sunday's victory over the Cincinnati Bengals with an illness designation. Pacheco missed Weeks 14 and 15 with injury. McKinnon was placed on IR ahead of Week 16 and will miss Kansas City's wild-card game at a minimum.
Andy Reid prefers to rotate through multiple backs and McKinnon's absence creates some room for a veteran like Cook. The Chiefs’ offense has been a disappointing shell of itself throughout the entire 2023 campaign. Adding Cook would be a worthwhile gamble for an offense that's still trying to find its groove.
