The Dallas Cowboys and running back Dalvin Cook have reached an agreement on a contract, according to a source familiar with the deal on Wednesday. The signing of Cook provides the Cowboys with depth at the running back position, alongside Ezekiel Elliott, the two-time rushing champion.
Initially, Cook is expected to join the Cowboys’ practice squad, as per the unnamed source speaking to The Associated Press. The decision has not been officially announced yet.
Cook was released by the Jets towards the end of last season and later played in one of Baltimore’s playoff games after joining the Ravens. In his brief stint with the Jets, Cook had limited playing time, recording 67 carries for 214 yards in 15 games.
Before his time with the Jets, Cook spent six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, where he earned three Pro Bowl selections. In the 2020 season, Cook had career-best numbers with 1,557 yards and 16 touchdowns. Throughout his career, he has scored 29 rushing touchdowns over two seasons and a total of 47 touchdowns.
The Cowboys re-signed Elliott after losing Tony Pollard to the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Pollard had briefly taken over as the lead back when Elliott was released by Dallas to save on costs.
Elliott and Cook, both 29 years old, are facing uncertainties regarding their performance levels despite their extensive experience in the league. Combined, they have over 15,000 rushing yards in their careers.
Elliott historically averaged around 21 carries per game in his first four seasons, while Cook has maintained an average of approximately 18 1/2 carries per game during his productive four-year period with multiple 1,000-yard seasons.
Dallas also has Rico Dowdle in his fifth year, alongside second-year running backs Hunter Luepke and Deuce Vaughn as part of their roster.
