After starting the season with five straight wins, the San Francisco 49ers have lost three games in a row, and while none of them were terrible losses, they now have to deal with the reality of shoring up their weaknesses in order to strengthen their chances of winning the Super Bowl.
This is a team that has been one of the most talented in the NFL for at least the last two years and has reached the NFC Championship Game in three of the last four seasons. Yet it has nothing to show for it; in fact, it hasn’t won the Super Bowl since the 1994 campaign.
The rumor mill has revved up lately when it comes to the 49ers. Many of the rumors involving them have been about them possibly acquiring an upgrade on defense, especially in their secondary, or perhaps going out and upgrading the right side of their offensive line or even bringing in a low-key upgrade at wide receiver.
But Zachary Roberts of Sportskeeda made an interesting suggestion: The Niners should trade for running back Dalvin Cook.
“The San Francisco 49ers’ depth behind Christian McCaffrey may be tested, so Dalvin Cook could be a fine addition to back him up as they march towards a Super Bowl berth,” wrote Roberts.
Cook made the Pro Bowl in each of the last four seasons as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. But the Vikings released him during the offseason, and the New York Jets picked him up, thinking they had put together a superteam with him, Aaron Rodgers and their fine young incumbent players. Of course, that’s not exactly how it has turned out.
Cook is behind Breece Hall on the Jets’ depth chart, and so far this season he has just 114 rushing yards and zero touchdowns in seven games.
The big problem with Roberts’ suggestion is Cook wouldn’t get more touches with the Niners. McCaffrey is arguably the game’s best running back and is on the type of tear that few have ever enjoyed before. Behind him are two capable backups in Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason, however, neither of them get many snaps, and together, they have combined for just 43 carries and 167 rushing yards this year.
Therefore, San Francisco likely doesn’t need an upgrade at running back. Their needs are on the right side of their offensive line and at the cornerback spot opposite Charvarius Ward.
Dalvin Cook would be better off going to a team that actually needs a productive running back.
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