Recent history suggests Ravens' addition of Dalvin Cook won't be worthwhile

With the postseason right around the corner, the Baltimore Ravens beefed up the backfield, signing former Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook on Thursday. However, recent history suggests the move won't significantly impact the team's quest for a Lombardi Trophy. 

Over the past few seasons, the Ravens have gambled on several veteran backs, looking to squeeze the last ounces of production out of them. Since 2019, Baltimore has signed seven experienced backs 28 years or older with a combined 10 Pro Bowls and two All-Pro nods to their collective resumes. Yet, aside from Mark Ingram, who rushed 1,317 yards over two seasons with the team, the rest have provided mixed results at best. 

Of the remaining six, only Latavius Murray (501 yards in 14 games) and Devonta Freeman (576 yards in 16 games) surpassed 500 yards during their tenures with the Ravens. Kenyan Drake, Mike Davis and Le'Veon Bell averaged 161.5 yards over 30 games. 

The Ravens won't need Cook to produce over a whole season, only for their playoff run, but even that might be asking for too much. It's possible that joining the No. 1 seed in the AFC after playing for the New York Jets might re-energize the four-time Pro Bowler. However, his small 2023 sample size doesn't offer much hope. 

After his stunning breakup with the Minnesota Vikings, Cook followed Aaron Rodgers to the Jets before things imploded for the team. Over 15 games, Cooks was a virtual non-factor, rushing for 214 yards (3.2 YPA) on only 67 carries. According to Sumersports, Cook ranks last in EPA/rush (-.37) percentage with the second-worst first-down (14.9) and yards created (-1.19) percentages among 72 qualified ball-carriers, including quarterbacks, in the NFL.

Whether or not Cook ultimately finds a role with the Ravens is still to be determined. However, it's a low-risk, high-reward move for both sides. The only real losers coming out of Thursday's transaction are the Jets, who paid the former Viking $6.8 million last offseason to compete for a Super Bowl ring with another team months later.