It has been an incredible season for the Ravens. They have sealed the title of the AFC North, and they have also got a place in the Divisional Round thanks to having the best record in the entire conference.

There’s no doubt the team’s front office did a remarkable job before the season by assembling a competitive roster. Now, by acquiring an elite running back, they’ve boosted their chances of winning the upcoming Super Bowl.

Ravens bolster Lamar Jackon’s offense with a 4-time Pro Bowl running back

Baltimore stands as the current best team in the AFC. With just one game remaining in the 2023 NFL season, the Ravens boast a 13-3 record, affording them the opportunity to skip the Wild Card round and maintain home advantage throughout their playoff journey.

Prior to the start of the season, the Ravens decided to give Lamar Jackson a lucrative contract extension. However, they knew that it was crucial to surround the quarterback with top players, and they brought a lot of talent to their roster to help him succeed.

The team’s front office understood the importance of building a competitive roster. For that reason, they have decided to add one last piece to help them succeed in the playoffs and compete for the Vince Lombardi trophy.

NFL Media has informed that the Ravens have signed Dalvin Cook for their playoff run. The running back was released by the New York Jets earlier this week, passing through waivers unclaimed and giving Baltimore the opportunity to acquire him.

The 28-year-old joined the Jets mid-August, but he didn’t have a great tenure with the AFC East team. The four-time Pro Bowler had 67 carries for 214 yards and zero toudchowns before being released on Tuesday.

When will Dalvin Cook play his first game with the Ravens?

According to reports, Dalvin Cook is expected to sit out Week 18 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team has opted to grant him time to adjust and prepare for their first playoff game scheduled for Jan. 20 or 21.

Earlier this year, the Ravens faced setbacks with season-ending injuries to JK Dobbins and Keaton Mitchell. While Cook isn’t expected to step in as the team’s starting running back—currently occupied by Gus Edwards—he’ll contend with Justice Hill and Melvin Gordon for the backup role.

Unsurprisingly, that also took a big toll on the Jets’ running game. Their offensive line was far from efficient, and not having a solid QB situation also closed all lanes for their backs.

On top of that, Dalvin Cook was clearly behind young star Breece Hall in the pecking order. He was rarely featured in Nathaniel Hackett’s offense, and his talents were going to waste in the Big Apple.

So, now that the former Minnesota Vikings star has been granted his release and will be eligible to sign with any team ahead of the playoffs, we take a look at the three most logical destinations for him right now.

NFL Rumors: Landing Spots For Dalvin Cook

3. Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are no longer the offensive juggernaut they used to be, but they’re still the reigning Super Bowl champions and the team to beat until proven otherwise.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire will never be the star they thought he’d be, and Isiah Pacheco has done a great job as the featured back. Then again, they need to add more depth to that running back room.

Jerick McKinnon will continue to handle the passing-down duties, but adding Cook could give them a massive threat in goal-line and red-zone situations, which is where they’ve struggled the most this season.

2. Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns lost Nick Chubb just a couple of games into the season. That was just the start of a trend for Kevin Stefanski’s team, which has dealt with more injuries than everybody else in the league.

Stefanski and Cook go a long way back. He used to be the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive coordinator, and Cook had the best years of his career when he was calling the shots.

Jerome Ford is the Browns’ lead back, with Kareem Hunt handling change-of-pace duties. Needless to say, Cook would be an upgrade over both of them for the resilient Browns.

1. Dallas Cowboys

Ironically, Dak Prescott has been the best offensive player for the Dallas Cowboys this season. That’s just months after being deemed the weakest link and only Achilles heel of the offense.

However, the running game has been pretty much a non-factor in Dallas. Either because of a poor offensive line, play-calling, or a lack of talent, Tony Pollard has failed to step up as a true lead back.

The Cowboys haven’t won a Super Bowl in almost three decades, and this feels like their best chance in a while. They can’t leave anything to chance, and adding Cook looks like a no-brainer.

Earlier this year, the Minnesota Vikings decided to part ways with Dalvin Cook after not finding a team interested in trading for him. He was a very attractive asset for several teams, but his contract petitions made the most of them forget the idea of acquiring him.

Nevertheless, Cook did find a team interested in his services. The Jets added the veteran running back to bolster their backfield, but he has not received the playing time he expected when he joined the AFC East team.

Dalvin Cook addresses his trade rumors with a powerful message to the Jets

When the Jets decided to acquire Dalvin Cook, everyone expected him to be the starting running back. However, the former Vikings player has had only a few carries, and he’s struggling to prove that he deserves to be the RB1.

The four-time Pro Bowler has played in all six games of the 2023 NFL season, but not as the starter. He has only had 39 carries for 109 yards and zero touchdowns, numbers that are far from his previous statistics.

Following Cook’s problems, rumors emerged about the Jets possibly being interested in trading him. Even though they signed the running back this year, they could move on from him if there’s a team interested in the 28-year-old.

However, Cook is not interested in leaving the Big Apple soon. During today’s press conference, the former Florida State player revealed that he is not asking the team’s front office to be traded.

Cook did reveal that he is really frustrated with his first six games with the Jets. Nevertheless, the experienced running back said that he gets better with more touches, sending a strong message to the team that they need to trust him with the football more.

Prior to his arrival, Breece Hall said that he would do anything to keep the starter job. He has had a very decent year with 66 carries for 426 yards and two touchdowns, and it doesn’t seem like he will lose the role to Cook this season.

Are there any teams interested in Dalvin Cook?

As of today, there are no teams reportedly interested in trading for Dalvin Cook. He signed a 1-year, $7 million contract with the Jets during the summer, and he definitely wants to stay with New York for the remainder of the season.

However, there is one team that could warmly welcome Cook: the Miami Dolphins. They expressed interest in the running back during the summer, and with De’Von Achane’s injury, the former Vikings player could step in as a replacement.

The New York Jets‘ season began with high hopes, largely tied to the arrival of Aaron Rodgers. However, their championship dreams were abruptly dashed when the quarterback suffered a critical Achilles injury within the first offensive series.

Despite the initial setback, the Jets managed to recover their season and achieve a 3-3 record. Nonetheless, recent reports indicate that the team is considering a significant change, including the potential trade of running back Dalvin Cook.

As reported by Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the New York Jets seem prepared to move on from Cook leading up to the October 31 trade deadline. This has everything to do with his declining usage over the first six weeks of the season.

Hall’s Rise May Send Cook Out of New York

Cook was brought in as a solid investment to bolster the team’s ambitious aspirations. The objective was to provide insurance in case Breece Hall required additional time to regain full fitness after a torn ACL. However, the experienced player has not factored into the offense.

Over the past six weeks, Hall’s role has expanded significantly, while Cook’s involvement has dwindled. His usage went from being on the field for 50 percent of offensive snaps in week 1 to a mere 14 percent by week 6.

It’s evident that the Jets have shifted their reliance to Hall, who has become a key asset for the team. Hall’s strong performance on the field has been marked by explosive plays, addressing the Jets’ lack of big-play ability.

Leading the team in touches with an impressive 79, Hall has contributed 539 yards from scrimmage. Adding to the potential reasons for Cook’s departure is the increased utilization of Michael Carter, who has seen more playing time than him in the past three games.

While the value the Jets might receive in return for Cook remains uncertain, given his recent performance and contract status, the team is exploring trade possibilities with the goal of securing at least a pick swap to open up his roster spot.

What Is Dalvin Cook’s Contract?

Cook signed a one-year deal with the Jets for $7 million.

The Vikings posted a very solid 13-4 record in the first year as head coach of Kevin O’Connell. However, in a shocking turn of events, their Super Bowl hopes ended with a 31-24 loss against the Giants at home in the Wild Card round.

Now, Minnesota will try to take the next step. Nevertheless, it’s going to be a very tough challenge without a star player such as Dalvin Cook who left to play with Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets.

Minnesota Vikings sign another running back to replace Dalvin Cook

According to a report from Adam Schefter, the Minnesota Vikings will sign Myles Gaskin. It’s a very intriguing move as the running back was just released this Wednesday by the Miami Dolphins.

Considering the ‘sudden’ timing, many experts believe there could be a man behind this move. It’s important to remember Brian Flores is the new defensive coordinator of the Vikings and he coached Gaskin during his tenure with the Dolphins.

At the moment, after Dalvin Cook left the team, the depth chart for the Minnesota Vikings at the running back position has Alexander Mattison, Ty Chandler, Myles Gaskin and Kene Nwangwu.

Of course, none of those names has the star power of Cook. That’s why, though the 2023 season is very close, Gaskin could pull out a surprise fighting for the starting job.

Why did Dalvin Cook leave the Vikings?

A few days ago, during a press conference, Dalvin Cook revealed why he signed for the New York Jets when many other teams like the Miami Dolphins or the Dallas Cowboys were pursuing his services. Two words: Aaron Rodgers.

“He doesn’t have to recruit. His game recruits for itself. Aaron is Aaron. If you don’t want to be part of something like that, I don’t know what you want in football.”

Cook knows a lot about Rodgers after facing him for many years in the rivalry between Packers and Vikings in the NFC North. Now, the running back wants to chase a Super Bowl. “I just couldn’t be on the other side anymore. Obviously, when you dig deep and look into the roster, all the pieces are put together.”

Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers admitted Dalvin Cook is a major asset to help the Jets become a contender. “Dalvin has got it done for a long time at a high level. He’s motivated. He wants to win a championship. Obviously, he made it well-known to me during the process he wanted to play with me and play here, in Jersey, so we’re excited to have him.”

While the team had already made progress in defense under Robert Saleh, the offense seemed to have plenty of work to do. With their offseason moves, the Jets may finally be able to put all the pieces together to contend.

It won’t be easy, as their division rivals are also stacked and this will be the first season for many players in the Big Apple. Even so, Cook looks quite confident his team can make it to the big game.

Dalvin Cook believes Jets can make the Super Bowl

“I think it’s very realistic,” Cook said when asked about the Jets’ chances of making the Super Bowl, via Steve Serby of the New York Post. “Obviously you look at the roster, you look at the people we’ve added and the things that we already had, just combining that in one, and I think it’s something to be excited about.

“We just gotta go out there and do our part. . . . That’s why I came, that’s why I’m here, to help any way I can to get to where we need to go, and that’s holding up the trophy, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

How many times have the Jets made the Super Bowl?

The New York Jets have made only one Super Bowl appearance in 1969, when they beat the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III.

When was the last time the Jets made the NFL playoffs?

The New York Jets haven’t made the NFL playoffs since 2010, when they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship game.

The quarterback is definitely the most valuable player on a franchise. The more talent and experience he has, the better for the franchise. All head coaches dream of having a Tom Brady or Patrick Mahomes on their roster.

The running back is another player that makes a big difference on the offensive line. They have an important role during the tightest plays to gain those few yards necessary to score a touchdown.

Aside from the quarterback and running back, wide receivers are also highly important. Some, like Super Bowl champions Odell Beckham Jr. and Mike Evans, are coveted by multiple teams.

Which franchise had the best QB and RB upgrade in 2023?

According to a recent podcast episode where Jason McIntyre gives his opinion on which NFL team got the biggest QB and RB upgrade of the season, he named the New York Jets as his best upgraded team after they added Aaron Rodgers and Dalvin Cook to their roster.

Rodgers has vast experience in the NFL. He played multiple seasons with the Green Bay Packers and knows exactly what it’s like to win a Super Bowl. On the other hand, Dalvin Cook is one of the most talented running backs in the league who has not stopped his growth.

The Jets’ front office has accepted almost every request made by the quarterback. The names on offense prove it: Randall Cobb, Allen Lazard, Billy Turner and, of course, Cook.

Now, as another consequence of Aaron Rodgers leaving the Green Bay Packers, star players around or outside the NFL have been ready to join him. Dalvin Cook explains why he chose that path.

Why Dalvin Cook signed with the New York Jets?

During a press conference, Dalvin Cook revealed why he signed for the New York Jets when many other teams were pursuing his services like the Miami Dolphins or the Dallas Cowboys. Two words: Aaron Rodgers.

“He doesn’t have to recruit. His game recruits for itself. Aaron is Aaron. If you don’t want to be part of something like that, I don’t know what you want in football.”

Cook knows a lot about Rodgers after facing him for many years in the rivalry between Packers and Vikings in the NFC North. Now, the running back wants to chase a Super Bowl. “I just couldn’t be on the other side anymore. Obviously, when you dig deep and look into the roster, all the pieces are put together.”

Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers knows Dalvin Cook is major asset to become a contender. “Dalvin has got it done for a long time at a high level. He’s motivated. He wants to win a championship. Obviously, he made it well-known to me during the process he wanted to play with me and play here, in Jersey, so we’re excited to have him.”

Earlier this year, the Minnesota Vikings parted ways with Dalvin Cook. The team opted to move forward without the running back, unless he agreed to a pay cut, choosing Alexander Mattison as the starter instead.

After being released, Cook began searching for a team interested in his services. Despite having three options, he ultimately chose to sign with the Jets, aiming to play alongside Aaron Rodgers in the 2023 NFL season.

What number will Dalvin Cook wear on his Jets jersey?

A new running back has joined the New York Jets. After several days of negotiations, Dalvin Cook signed a one-year, $8.6 million deal to play for the AFC East squad this year.

Cook is set to strengthen the team’s offense, aiding Aaron Rodgers in his debut season in New York. Nonetheless, the running back will experience a significant jersey change due to his inability to retain his previous number.

During his initial five years with Minnesota, Cook donned the number 33 on his jersey, and he will continue to wear it with the Jets. Number 4, which he used last year, is worn by D.J. Reed, a seasoned cornerback with six years of experience.

The Jets have been making a lot of progress under Robert Saleh in the last few years, but it looked – especially in 2022 – that they were a star quarterback away from being a serious contender.

However, once they got Rodgers, the Jets also knew they needed to help the veteran quarterback. Cook definitely gives them reasons to believe, and the RB is also optimistic about what they can accomplish this year.

Dalvin Cook believes Jets can be special

“When I came on my visit, I think I’ve pretty much seen everything I needed to see,” Cook said, via ProFootballTalk. “It was good vibes with the coaches, the players, everybody around the building.

“When you dig deep and look into the roster, I think all the pieces are put together. I think I can come help these guys. You look at the running back room with MC, Breece, Bam, all those other guys, and me just adding to it, I think we can be something special.”

The Jets certainly have big plans after years of misery for their fans. But the AFC East will be challenging, with the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots all aiming to make the playoffs.

Dalvin Cook found himself in the spotlight after the Minnesota Vikings released him for salary cap purposes considering his high figures. As a free agent, Cook’s future was a topic of intense speculation, with multiple significant teams vying for his signature.

Initially, the Miami Dolphins emerged as the frontrunners, with their sights set on bringing the running back dynamic skill set to their talented roster. However, most were left stunned when the New York Jets secured Cook with a lucrative deal that caught many off guard.

Cook’s journey to the Jets encountered hurdles as he underwent off-season surgery to repair a shoulder injury. Additionally, an off-field issue was another topic of discussion, leaving the player and the Jets waiting to see if a potential suspension would impact his playing time.

Dalvin Cook’s Contract Structure with the Jets

One noteworthy aspect of Cook’s move was the size of his contract. Despite the running back market being at a very low point, the Jets offered him a salary that was higher than expected, reaching a total max of $8.62M. However, the Jets made sure to be protected in case Cook is suspended by the league for a domestic violence lawsuit against him.

Along with not receiving a signing bonus, New York included some clauses in case if the player has to miss time. As was reported by Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, $5.92M are attached to Cook not being in the reserve/suspended list. The deal has $4.72 million tied to his presence on the 53-man roster, IR, or PUP. According to this report, the Jets wouldn’t have to pay him while he’s suspended.

Moreover, his season must be perfect for him to reach the highest value considering his contract is full of incentives. Not only New York have to win the Super Bowl, but his performance has to be stellar. He would have to finish with 1,250 rushing yards, 1,500 scrimmage yards, and be on the active roster in every game to earn the max possible, per Florio.