New York Jets Ex Dalvin Cook: ‘I’m Still That Guy’

Despite being available on the free agent market, former New York Jets running back Dalvin Cook remains confident to bolster an NFL offense.

Dec 3, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Dalvin Cook (33) / Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Less than eight months ago, former New York Jets running back Dalvin Cook was one of the most sought after commodities on the NFL’s open market. 

Having been released in June after six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings (as a cost-cutting casualty,) the four-time Pro Bowler signed with the Jets in August — hoping to bolster an offense led by future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers. 

However his lackluster showing in East Rutherford for much of last season led to an early ending to his tenure with Gang Green. As such, the 28-year-old free agent remains available on the open market. 

Nonetheless, Cook is confident in his ability to be a productive offensive weapon. During a recent interview with KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, the Florida State product reminded the NFL universe that he is still more-than-capable of letting his prowess speak for itself. 

“I’ve got it all,” Cook said. “The tools are still here. I didn’t really get any reps last year. So, the legs are fresh, so the resume speaks for itself. I’m still Dalvin Cook. I’m still that guy. For me, I don’t like to toot my own horn. I just like to go out there, put my helmet on and line up on the grass.”

Sep 24, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Dalvin Cook (33) / Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Despite joining the Jets with high expectations last season, Cook only started one of his 15 appearances — playing a distant second option to top back Breece Hall. He only amassed 292 yards from scrimmage and zero touchdowns before parting ways with the Jets in January. He subsequently signed with the Baltimore Ravens, carrying the ball eight times for 23 yards in his lone playoff appearance in the Divisional Round of the playoffs against the Houston Texans. 

Still, Cook is just over one year removed from being one of the best running backs in the NFL. In 2022 with the Vikings, he rushed for 1,173 yards with eight rushing touchdowns. He added 39 receptions, 295 receiving yards, and a pair of receiving touchdowns. Though his style is more conducive to zone, [primarily inside, with additional looks outside, as well] he has the skill set and veteran savvy to become equally potent on the ground, as well as receiving out of the backfield. 

In that vein, Dalvin Cook is ready for the challenges which may lay ahead. 

“Yeah, you always have to be prepared for the opportunity,” he said. “For me, I’m a veteran in the league. I know what it takes to be successful in this league. I know who Dalvin Cook is and I know how I want to perform and what I want to do. Like you said, stay ready so you ain’t got to get ready.”

Despite Hall’s presence, New York is entering 2024 a bit thin at the position — especially when it comes to deploying a pass-catcher out of the backfield. Unsurprisingly, Hall led the way in the category last season by catching 76 passes for 591 yards and four touchdowns. The production dropped significantly thereafter, with Dalvin Cook catching 15 throws for 78 yards and Michael Carter [released in November] who also earned 15 receptions for 68 yards. Neither Cook, nor Carter logged a receiving touchdown. 

Behind Hall, the Jets currently employ Israel Abanikanda, Xazavian Valladay and Jacques Patrick on their running back depth chart.