Instant analysis of news Ravens are signing RB Dalvin Cook ahead of AFC playoffs
The best team in football added more depth at running back, as the Ravens agreed to a deal with Dalvin Cook to join the practice squad.
The Jets released the veteran four-time Pro Bowl running back this week, allowing him to join a contender ahead of the postseason.
The Ravens had signed Melvin Gordon III to the 53-man roster following the season-ending injury to rookie Keaton Mitchell, but Cook adds even more depth and gives Baltimore the option of elevating him from the practice squad in the playoffs.
With news of the move revealed, here’s instant analysis of the move.
Cook paid to join the Ravens
According to Mike Florio at Pro Football Talk, Cook waived $270,000 in guaranteed salary for Week 18 from the Jets, reducing his compensation to $60,000 for the final week of the season.
Cook could earn that compensation and more if Baltimore makes a deep playoff run, but it’s clear that the declining running back wants a shot at the Super Bowl.
Fresh legs
Cook’s demise as a running back has been reported, and in 15 games, the former Pro Bowler rushed for 214 yards and caught 15 passes for 78 yards.
Cook is also fresh, having played only 202 snaps on offense, his lowest total since his injury-shortened rookie year with the Minnesota Vikings in 2017.
Where Cook fits
Baltimore has the NFL’s No. 1 rushing attack, but the running back position getting decimated by injury.
The Ravens lost J.K. Dobbins to a season-ending Achilles injury in the season opener and then watched explosive rookie Keaton Mitchell suffer a season-ending knee injury in Week 15.
Lamar Jackson leads the Ravens with 821 yards rushing and has topped Baltimore in rushing six games this season. The Ravens had only one running back run for over 80 yards in a game this season (Mitchell had 138 in Week 9), likely explaining the interest in the veteran Cook.
Gus Edwards has scored 13 touchdowns, but he has averaged 40.6 yards per game rushing and 3.6 yards per carry over his past seven games.
The Ravens’ other running backs on their 53-man roster are Justice Hill and Melvin Gordon.
