New York Jets running back Dalvin Cook wanted to be dealt to either the Dallas Cowboys or the Baltimore Ravens in the event of a trade before the NFL deadline, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.
The Jets signed Cook back in August with the expectation that the four-time Pro Bowler would be a major part of their offense this season, but instead, Cook has been a relative afterthought.
Through New York’s first seven games in 2023, Cook has carried the ball 41 times for 114 yards, good for a paltry 2.8 yards per carry. He has also been a non-factor as a receiver out of the backfield, logging nine catches for 46 yards.
In fairness, it’s entirely possible that Cook’s role changed significantly once Aaron Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles in Week 1, but it also seems hard to imagine that Cook wouldn’t be able to produce even with Zach Wilson under center.
After all, Cook posted four straight 1,000-yard campaigns with the Minnesota Vikings before joining the Jets. He also registered 46 total touchdowns in those four seasons. Meanwhile, he hasn’t reached the end zone once in New York.
The 28-year-old, who played his collegiate football at Florida State, was originally selected by the Vikings in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
A torn ACL prematurely ended his rookie campaign after just four games, and his recovery time limited him to just 11 contests in his second season.
However, since then, Cook has stamped his name among the best halfbacks in the NFL. That’s why his lack of activity with Gang Green has been beyond strange.
The good news for Cook is that there is still plenty of time for the Jets to find a role for him, as they still have 10 games remaining. That being said, it’s also obvious that Breece Hall is New York’s featured back, so Cook will have to carve out a niche somehow.
The Jets are 4-3 and will battle the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night.
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