49ers Could Push To Sign Dalvin Cook After Jets’ Release

The San Francisco 49ers could push to sign running back Dalvin Cook, Matthew Davis of Heavy.com says. Cook was released by the New York Jets on Tuesday, freeing him up to sign with a contender just before the playoffs.

The 49ers would certainly be a fine landing spot for Cook, as he would form a pretty lethal backfield duo with MVP candidate Christian McCaffrey.

While Cook obviously would not be the featured back in San Francisco, he would provide the club with yet another offensive weapon.

Cook initially signed a one-year deal with the Jets back in August and was expected to play a major role in New York’s offense this season. However, Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending Achilles injury changed a whole lot of things for the Jets, including their usage of Cook.

In 15 games with Gang Green, Cook carried the ball just 67 times for 214 yards, good for a meager average of 3.2 yards per carry. He also logged just 15 catches for 78 yards.

It has certainly been a strange season for Cook, who is just one year removed from his fourth straight Pro Bowl appearance with the Minnesota Vikings.

Last season, the 28-year-old rushed for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per carry. Plus, he caught 39 passes for 295 yards a couple of scores.

The Vikings ultimately released Cook after the season to save some money, but it had nothing to do with his skill level. It was pretty clear that Cook was still productive at that time.

Cook, who played his collegiate football at Florida State, was originally selected by Minnesota in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. His rookie campaign was cut short after just four games due to a torn ACL, but by his third season, Cook had stamped his name among the best halfbacks in football.

Cook’s best year came in 2020, when he racked up 1,557 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground, logging a robust five yards per attempt. He also hauled in 44 receptions for 361 yards and a score.

The Niners are 12-4 and have already clinched the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC. Adding Dalvin Cook into the fray would make them that much more dangerous.