The Dallas Cowboys could still use some extra juice in the running game, and veteran Dalvin Cook has been pitched as a “bargain bin” free agent for the team to consider.
The Cowboys did not make many additions to their backfield this offseason after losing Tony Pollard to free agency. Ezekiel Elliott was brought back, but he is not the same rushing leader he was in his early Cowboys career.
Royce Freeman, who is 28 years old, is also not a feature back. Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn will also be considered..
Cook is available and might be had for a “bargain bin” price, according to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report. “Dallas should think about testing out four-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook right away, even if it might wait until the last roster cuts to add someone to the position.
Cook may have more energy than he has in a while after playing little last season, but there is definitely no assurance that he can regain his Pro Bowl form. Signing Cook should be more beneficial than risky, especially considering that he might have to show himself again on a low-paying “prove-it” contract.
Dalvin Cook Still Feels He Can Contribute
Cook is not far from being a talented player in the Pro Bowl. In2022, he gained 1,173 yards and 8 touchdowns while rushing. He had trouble last season, though.
Cook, who gained 214 yards on just 67 runs over 15 games, was unable to see action while playing for the New York Jets. After being released, he later signed with the Baltimore Ravens. Only eight carries for 23 yards were all he got in the postseason.
Cook maintains his confidence in his ability to have an impact despite a difficult year. He also thinks his lack of effort over the previous season might work to his advantage.
Cook declared in April that he “had it all,” according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC. “The tools are still here. I didn’t really get no reps last year. So, the legs are fresh, so the resume speaks for itself. I’m still Dalvin Cook. I’m that guy. For me, I just like to go out there, put my helmet on,
and line up on the grass.” Cook had a $7 million, one-year contract last season, but the Cowboys could still sign him for less at this point in order to add a hungry veteran running back to their group.
Cowboys RB Rico Dowdle Could Be Key.
Running back Rico Dowdle could be a key piece for the Cowboys.
Dowdle might be an important member of the Cowboys’ running back committee if they decide to stick with it. He just had his best-ever season with 89 carries for 361 yards and two touchdowns. On Monday, August 5, Dowdle stated, “We haven’t done a running back by committee here so I’m not sure with how it will all go.”
However, I have higher goals for myself than I had the previous year, whatever those goals may be. .. being more effective than I was the previous year.
Elliott and Dowdle will alternate shifts. The beloved running back played for the New England Patriots the previous season.
Elliott set career lows in yards per run (3.5), yards from scrimmage (955), rushing touchdowns (3), carries (184), rushing yards (642), and total touchdowns (5) while the Patriots faltered. Freeman was enjoying a great camp with the Cowboys when he sustained a groin injury on Monday and had to leave practice. How much time he will lose is unknown.
