Getty Image / Nick Cammett
A few years ago any NFL fan base would’ve been thrilled with adding a player like Dalvin Cook. The former Pro Bowl running back was long considered to be one of the best running backs in the league as he made four straight Pro Bowls from 2019-2022.
But, news of the Baltimore Ravens signing Dalvin Cook for the remainder on Thursday was met with a collective shrug by the league, due to the former star’s steep decline.
Transaction alert: Dalvin Cook to sign with the Ravens, per @AdamSchefter.
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) January 4, 2024
The Minnesota Vikings, the team that made Dalvin Cook a second-round pick in 2017 and where he spent the first six years of his career, released the running back in June 2023. He signed with the New York Jets, but he was simply not good there.
Cook had 67 carries for just 214 yards, good for only 3.2 yards per carry. That is simply not a very good total at all, and his PFF grade up 54.3 was replacement level. Yes, the Jets offensive line is bad, but former teammate Breece Hall has a PFF grade of over 80 this year.
The Ravens have had a ton of injuries at running back, seemingly something they go through every year. Keaton Mitchell and JK Dobbins have been ruled out for the year for the team that has the best record in the NFL. But, there is no reason that Dalvin Cook should be taking snaps from Justice Hill and Gus Edwards, let alone veteran Melvin Gordon.
The Ravens, who will be resting starters with home field advantage through the AFC playoffs already clinched, finish the regular season at home against the Steelers on Saturday. A win on Saturday would eliminate the Steelers from playoff contention.