Dalvin Cook Free Agency Targets: Bills Among 4 Contenders That Should Sign Pro Bowl RB

Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook is now a free agent after parting ways with the New York Jets on Tuesday. What contending teams can and should use his services before the playoffs?

The Dalvin Cook experiment with the New York Jets lasted just four months and 17 weeks. For the $7 million he was being paid, the 2023 season didn't go nearly as expected for either side. 

In 15 games played with Gang Green, the four-time Pro Bowler tallied just 214 yards on 67 carries. He has not received a touch in each of the Jets' last two games. 

After mutually parting ways with New York on Tuesday, Cook becomes a free agent - able to sign with any contending teams looking for running back help before the playoffs begin. 

Here are four teams that should look to add Cook's services very soon.

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© Gregory Fisher, USA TODAY

Buffalo Bills

Buffalo already has Dalvin's younger brother James. Think how special a brotherly reunion could be for the Cook family!

Outside of James, there's very little the Bills have done right on the ground game in recent weeks. With a "do-or-die" contest against the Miami Dolphins upcoming in Week 18, it could be the perfect time for a new addition to the running back room to take place. 

Cook may only have 3.2 yards per carry but he has looked much better later in the year as he got his legs under him. He seems like a player that the Bills could use to complement his younger brother. 

Dallas Cowboys

Tony Pollard hasn't been remotely near the type of back he was when Ezekiel Elliott was on the roster. Yes, he's closing in on a 1,000-yard season, but he's also averaging less than a full yard per carry than he did last year. 

In short, Dallas desperately needs a power runner to take pressure off Pollard and give Dak Prescott more of a leash on the offensive side. 

Outside of the obvious choice of the Bills because of family ties, the Cowboys probably make more sense than any other team for Cook's services due to their need at the position, and the fact that they'll be the type of contender Cook could be looking for. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Rachaad White is closing in on a 1,000-yard season but you can never have too many running backs in the playoffs. 

Adding Cook to a Bucs team that has looked much improved in recent weeks could be a strong signing. Right now, Tampa Bay is expected to play the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round of the playoffs in two weeks. 

The Eagles just gave up over 200 yards rushing to a bad Arizona Cardinals team. For a playoff game like that, and in the future, ball control will be very important. 

Cook's done a good job his whole career of playing efficient football so this is a potential move that could benefit both sides. 

How Bills Clinch Playoff Berth or Get Eliminated After Week 18 Results

Baltimore Ravens 

There isn't a playoff contender playing better than the Baltimore Ravens right now. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is on his way to the second MVP of his career, but the team is wary of earning the AFC's top seed for the second time in franchise history. 

Against other top quarterbacks in the conference, the Ravens need to be able to play the kind of "ball-control" offense that wins at this stage of the season. Cook should be able to mix well with the other backs such as Gus Edwards and Justice Hill. 

Baltimore could very well be unbeatable on offense with Cook's signing. 


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