It would not be a bad idea for the Cowboys to consider adding another running back.
With Tony Pollard heading to the Tennessee Titans, the Dallas Cowboys were surely going to draft a running back in 2024, right? Despite the position being a major need on the roster, the Cowboys didn't pick one up until the undrafted free agent wave (Nathaniel Peat). So, Dallas will rely on several runners in 2024, led by Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle.
The Cowboys, much to the dismay of the fan base, aren't big spenders in free agency. However, there are still veteran runners on the market that could be had for cheap. Dallas should consider a cash-friendly veteran option, and one name that keeps popping up is Dalvin Cook.
Dallas is currently eyeing a committee centered around Elliott, Rico Dowdle, Freeman and Deuce Vaughn. Adding another back to the mix would be sensible because if the offense doesn't have balance, Prescott is going to face a lot of pressure.
It would behoove the Cowboys to at least kick the tires on Dalvin Cook. The four-time Pro Bowler appeared to lose a step in 2022 and struggled to get on the field in 2023. However, as Cook noted earlier this offseason, his lack of use last season has made him a well-rested option.
“ 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 still that guy,” Cook told Aaron Wilson of Houston’s KPRC 2.
Naturally, the Cowboys won’t be inclined to spend a lot on a flier signing. While Cook joined the New York Jets on a one-year, $7 million deal last offseason, though, his contract demands should be much lower in 2024.
Cook could be open to a team-friendly, incentive-laden deal if it provides the opportunity to reestablish his value. Cook may not be willing to play for the league minimum, but a one-year deal in the $2-3 million range might be enough.
The Cowboys are known for giving one-year, low-risk type of deals. So, if that's the going rate for Cook, that's on board with their philosophy.
This isn't a knock to Elliott, who still has a little something in the tank, and Dowdle has shown some flashes here and there. That being said, Elliott is coming off career lows in rushing yards and yards per attempt, and Dowdle has had injury issues. The Cowboys did sign veteran Royce Freeman, and his experience and skills could add something to the roster. Deuce Vaughn, Hunter Luepke, Malik Davis, Snoop Connor, and the aforementioned Peat round out the room, which leaves much to be desired.
Cook only had 67 carries for 214 yards last season for the New York Jets, and that was because Breece Hall garnered the lion’s share of the snaps. After parting ways with the Jets, Cook signed with the Baltimore Ravens for the playoffs, but he only gained 23 yards on eight carries.
Dallas had some interest in Cook back in January, and he was linked to them in March when free agency kicked off. If the Cowboys do inquire about Cook, it will likely be during training camp.
