FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys are scheduled to meet with free agent running back Dalvin Cook on the eve of the team’s cutdown to the league-mandated 53-man roster. The four-time Pro Bowler is scheduled to arrive in Dallas on Monday night to meet with team personnel.
Cook, 29, spent six seasons in Minnesota (five with Mike Zimmer) and rushed for 5,993 yards including 1,557 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2020. After being let go by the Vikings last offseason, Cook signed with the New York Jets and could not find his footing with his new squad, rushing for just 214 yards and 0 touchdowns on 67 carries in 16 games. He was released ahead of the playoffs and signed with the Baltimore Ravens where he rushed for 23 yards on eight carries in the team’s divisional round win.
The Cowboys are fresh off of extending star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and may be looking to further solidify their 2024 offense in the form of adding a veteran running back.
Despite expected starter Ezekiel Elliott and expected workhorse Rico Dowdle garnering praise in training camp from head coach Mike McCarthy and owner/general manager Jerry Jones, the case could be made for adding an extra jolt to what has not proved to be an inspiring position group going into the season – even if it does come with an aging Cook.
The room also features Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis and Royce Freeman, two twitchier backs and a veteran downhill back that are expected to be in the mix for the final 53-man roster spot at the position going into Tuesday’s cut decisions. Hunter Luepke is also factored in as a big-body ball-carrier, but his role will see him more at fullback and tight end in 2024.
A potential addition of Cook could give him an automatic roster spot despite not participating in training camp coming into the season.