Star RB Cook may join contender after release
Dalvin Cook and the New York Jets have agreed to part ways with one game left this season so Cook can join a playoff team.
Cook was headed to waivers, a source told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday. The source spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the announcement had not been made. The move was made Wednesday.
If Cook clears waivers, he’s free to sign with any team for the rest of the season.
He has played sparingly in 2023 as the franchise’s direction drastically changed following Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury four plays into the season.
While Cook joined the Jets for a potential Super Bowl run, the Jets have allowed him to explore his options of joining another team with a better chance to win a championship.
Cook has 67 carries for 214 yards and 15 catches for 78 yards with no touchdowns in limited action behind Breece Hall.
Cook joined the Jets after six standout seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, where he rushed for more than 1,000 yards from 2019-22.
Which teams are best suitors?
Could Cook join his younger brother, James Cook, with the Buffalo Bills? It seems like a good fit, but Buffalo has a crowded backfield with veterans Latavius Murray and Leonard Fournette already in tow.
Could Cook join Miami? The Dolphins could use the depth behind Raheem Mostert, who has knee and ankle injuries, and rookie De’Von Achane.
Cook could be a nice complementary piece for the Baltimore Ravens, who have fellow South Florida standouts such as quarterback Lamar Jackson and receiver Zay Flowers, who is represented by the same agency as Cook.
Cook could also provide depth to the Dallas Cowboys (behind Tony Pollard), Kansas City Chiefs (behind Isiah Pacheco), Jacksonville Jaguars (behind Travis Etienne Jr.) or Philadelphia Eagles (behind quarterback Jalen Hurts and running back D'Andre Swift).
If Cook joined the San Francisco 49ers (Christian McCaffrey), Detroit Lions (Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery) or Los Angeles Rams (Kyren Williams), he could be resigned to a limited role he’s played this season.