As the final week of the NFL season is quickly approaching, there is still much to figure out across the league. Playoff seeding is still being sorted out, evaluations for non-playoff teams as they look toward the offseason, and now surprisingly the question of where Dalvin Cook is going to play next is something that needs an answer as well.
The now-former New York Jets running back and the team have mutually decided to part ways, with the idea being that Cook will look to join a playoff team as the postseason approaches. While the move helps Cook find a contender, the move also helps the Jets as Cook agreed to restructure his contract to forfeit remaining guarantees, making it mutually beneficial for both parties.
While the off-the-field stuff is allowing for this move to happen what are the effects on the field? Where may Cook end up, and who looks to be a good fit? Let’s take a closer look at some teams that make sense.
Dalvin Cook Landing Spots
Cook is a veteran running back who has shown high-level play throughout his career. Even if those days of his prime are behind him, surely he can add value to a playoff team that is looking to add one more possible playmaker into the mix to put them over the top.
Kansas City Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs can use as many offensive weapons as they can get right now. A unit that has struggled to find consistent offensive production could benefit by adding a running back with Cook’s pedigree.
With Isiah Pacheco leading the way and a change of pace back in Clyde Edwards-Helaire behind him, there may be room to add Cook and his tough running style to add another bruiser in the backfield.
Buffalo Bills
This one would be fun for a few different reasons. First off, Cook could come in and help but would be doing so by spelling his little brother, James Cook who is the starting running back for the Buffalo Bills. In addition to James, they also have Latavius Murray and Ty Johnson in the fold, but one could argue that Dalvin is a better option than both of them.
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The Bills like to use their running backs in different ways and are multiple in the manner in which they deploy them. Adding another Cook into the mix may be a recipe for success as the Bills look to fight their way into a playoff spot.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans would be an intriguing landing spot for Cook. They have a good stable of young running backs already, but Cook could add a veteran element to the backfield as their rookie QB looks to lead them into the playoffs.
Cook may be able to complement Devin Singletary and Dameon Pierce while being a more established and productive option than Dare Ogunbowale is right now.
Dallas Cowboys
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is unafraid to make a splash signing if he thinks it can help put his team over the top, and he may believe Cook is that missing piece as they head into this year’s playoffs. A case can be made that this is the best fit for Cook as there is a true need to find more production out of Dallas’ backfield heading into the postseason.
Tony Pollard has not been quite like himself this year following last year’s ankle/leg injury. Rico Dowdle has been a solid backup running back, but he has had issues staying healthy throughout his career and missed last week’s game. The other option on the 53-man roster is 5’5″ Duece Vaughn who had two carries for two yards on Saturday night.
Cook could come into Dallas, play for the playoff team he is looking for, and be needed in the process. Win-win.
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