The New York Jets have released running back Dalvin Cook, via Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. Cook will hit waivers and can sign with a playoff contender if he clears.
When the Jets initially signed Cook to a one-year deal back in mid-August, he was expected to represent a crucial part of an offense that had Super Bowl aspirations.
But things changed for Cook and New York when Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles on the first offensive series of Week 1, ending the club’s championship hopes.
It also significantly altered Cook’s role.
In 15 games, Cook has carried the ball just 67 times for 214 yards, good for a meager average of 3.2 yards per attempt. He has also logged only 15 catches for 78 yards. He has not scored a touchdown this season.
Of course, how much Cook’s lack of playing time is a direct result of Rodgers’ absence is a legitimate question. Perhaps the Jets simply felt he was no longer the same player?
Cook, who played his collegiate football at Florida State, was originally selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
He tore his ACL four games into his rookie campaign, prematurely ending what seemed destined to be a fantastic year for the halfback. Two years later, Cook was a Pro Bowler after rushing for 1,135 yards and 13 touchdowns while catching hauling in 53 receptions for 519 yards.
That marked the first of four straight Pro Bowl appearances for Cook, with his best season coming in 2020 when he racked up 1,557 yards and 16 touchdowns while averaging a robust five yards per carry. He also caught 44 passes for 361 yards and a score.
The Vikings released Cook last offseason to save some money, but it wasn’t due to a lack of production on Cook’s part. After all, he totaled 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground in 2022.
But clearly, the Jets were not exactly enamored with the Miami native this season.
Perhaps Dalvin Cook will join a contender that can more properly utilize him with the playoffs approaching.
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