The Cleveland Browns have overcome a ton of adversity throughout the 2023 season to clinch a playoff spot. Winning their 11th game in Week 17 over the New York Jets, they will be the top-seeded Wild Card team in the AFC, heading on the road to likely face the winner in the AFC South.
While the Browns are waiting to find out their opponent for Wild Card weekend, they will spend Week 18 preparing for what they hope is a deep playoff run. The offense has been clicking with Joe Flacco taking over as the starter while the defense remains a stingy unit to go up against.
Could Cleveland look to add some reinforcements ahead of the postseason? If they want to add to their skill positions ahead of the playoffs, one intriguing name just hit free agency; running back Dalvin Cook.
NFL News & Rumors: Stefanski, Dalvin Cook, Cleveland Browns Updates
Cook signed with the New York Jets this offseason, part of what the team hoped would be a revamped unit with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Nothing went according to plan for New York on offense after Rodgers injured his Achilles and missed the season after only four plays.
One of the players who struggled was Cook. Part of the issue was certainly the surrounding supporting cast as the Jets’ offensive line has been poor all season. But Cook hasn’t shown much with his opportunities as a slow start led to Breece Hall taking over as the unquestioned lead back and rookie Israel Abanikinda getting more involved.
Allowing him to latch on with a playoff team, the Jets agreed to part ways with Cook earlier this week. Should the Browns want to pursue him, they could have a leg up on the competition because of head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Stefanski and Cook were together on the Minnesota Vikings for four seasons. In 2019, when Stefanski was the team’s offensive coordinator, Cook had one of the best seasons of his career, especially in production as a pass catcher. He ran for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns, adding 53 receptions for 519 yards, both of which were career-highs.
NFL News & Rumors: Stefanski, Dalvin Cook, Cleveland Browns Updates
There is some concern that Cook’s effectiveness has waned, as he averaged only 3.2 yards per carry this season with the Jets. But, Stefanski could push to add his old running back to the mix to give the team more insurance in the backfield along with Jerome Ford, Kareem Hunt and Pierre Strong.
That trio has done a solid job of replacing Nick Chubb, who injured his knee in Week 2 of the season. Running back may not be the most pressing need on the roster, but adding a player who knows the offense could be appealing to protect the Browns from another injury derailing their backfield.
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