In the backfield, Christian McCaffrey might have more assistance if Dalvin Cook can be signed by the 49ers.
If the 49ers can locate the ideal backfield addition, running back Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers won’t need to surpass 270 carries once more.
Running back Dalvin Cook, a four-time Pro Bowler, is still unsigned and has skill that may even be superior to the 49ers’ reserve backs.
In 2023, Cook was selected by the Baltimore Ravens for the playoffs despite his lackluster performance with the New York Jets. In a Ravens playoff game, Cook displayed his former form with a 19-yard touchdown run on few plays.
Furthermore, Cook had his most recent 1,000-yard campaign with the Minnesota Vikings in 2022, less than two years ago.
Cook said to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in April, “I’ve got it all.” “These are still the tools. Last year, I didn’t really receive any reps. The resume speaks for itself because the legs are still fresh.
The Jets barely used Cook in 2023, running 67 plays for 214 yards after Breece Hall returned from injury. Prior to the 2023 season, Minnesota released Cook in order to clear his five-year, $63 million deal.
That’s in spite of Cook having a strong résumé throughout his first six seasons with the Vikings. In addition to 221 receptions for 1,794 yards and 5 touchdowns, he ran for 5,993 yards and 47 touchdowns.
49ers Lack RB Depth After Christian McCaffrey
As additional depth in the backfield, Cook could be used by San Francisco to accomplish many of the tasks that McCaffrey accomplishes. In 2023, McCaffrey gained 1,4959 yards and 14 touchdowns via rushing, in addition to 564 yards and seven touchdowns from 83 receptions.
Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell, the backup running back for the 49ers, have never achieved career stats comparable to those of Cook. Mason’s career high of 258 yards was attained in 2022, while Mitchell scored 963 yards in 2021.
This year, the 49ers also selected rookie Isaac Guerendo via the draft. Guerendo finished 2023 with 810 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 22 receptions for 234 yards while attending Louisville.
With the Vikings, Cook provided big-play explosiveness, and it’s possible that he could do the same in San Francisco to relieve McCaffrey.
Throughout his NFL career, the former Florida State standout had long runs of 81, 75, 70, and 66 yards. “My name is Dalvin Cook. That guy is still me. I personally dislike blowing my own trumpet. Cook said to Wilson, “I just like to go outside, put on my helmet, and line up on the grass.”
How 49ers Can Afford Dalvin Cook
This year’s running back market collapse was less severe than that of 2023, when Cook, Ezekiel Elliott, and Leonard Fournette were all removed from major contracts.
However, Cook might not find a rival willing to match the $7 million, one-year deal he signed with the Jets in 2023. With just $5.11 million in salary cap space, San Francisco may benefit from Cook’s poor season and desire to play for a championship team.
Cook requested to be cut by the Jets in order to sign with a playoff club. Cook answered Wilson, “Yeah, you always have to be prepared for the opportunity.”
“I consider myself to be a league veteran. I am aware of the requirements for success in this league. He said, “I know who Dalvin Cook is, and I know what I want to do and how I want to perform.”
“You don’t need to get ready because, as you said, stay ready.” For Heavy.com, Matthew Davis covers college athletics, the NFL, and the WNBA. He has also covered Minnesota prep athletics since 2016 as a contributing writer for the StarTribune.
