Dalvin Cook Would Be All Upside For the Bengals
Kevin R. Wexler / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Cincinnati Bengals lost Joe Mixon this offseason, and although the chatter coming from inside Cincinnati suggests they are comfortable with their backfield, it’s hard to not look at what’s still left on the free agent market. Once you do that, it’s easy to be tantalized by adding another low-risk addition in Dalvin Cook. It just makes too much sense.
The Bengals already have two running backs who they believe are perfect complements to each other. The Bengals believe Chase Brown, who was a standout at Illinois, can take an even bigger step forward this season. Brown dealt with injury issues in 2023 but still found success, especially catching passes, as he finished the season with 13 of them. Zack Moss was a bit of a journeyman, but after the injury to Jonathan Taylor, Moss proved he could be an every-down back. Moss rushed 183 times for 794 yards and five touchdowns for the Indianapolis Colts last year.
Still, in the NFL, there is never such a thing as too many running backs.
Moss had one good season, but his track record of being an every-down back isn’t long. Brown could end up being one of the better running backs in the AFC, but there are still so many question marks surrounding him. Historically, running back has been a strength of the Bengals, with the quarterback often being the question mark. Now the Bengals have Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and others. The passing game as solid as it gets. With this in place, the backfield can’t be what keeps them from winning a Super Bowl.
Now that we are into July, there aren’t many Super Bowl difference-makers that could be signed, but Cook could end up being that. He also could end up being a bust, but with so little risk, it’s worth rolling the dice with how significant the payoff could be, even as many have counted him out going forward.
Last season, Cook never caught on with the New York Jets, rushing 67 times for 214 yards. He didn’t play well, but it wasn’t all that shocking with the situation that he walked into. If Aaron Rodgers hadn’t gotten hurt mere seconds into the start of the season, you have to wonder if Cook would have been more productive.
Cook was also coming off a torn labrum surgery last offseason, which clearly had an impact on his play. Cook reports that he’s fully healthy heading into 2024, which should mean more explosive plays in his future.
“I feel great, man,” Cook said of his current status. “Last year was kind of different for me because having to transition from being released and then having surgery and finding out where I want to be as far as rehabbing — just putting everything in order, it was kind of a whirlwind for me. It’s just about having everything in order this offseason and getting a jump on everything. I feel great, man. I’m ready to roll.”
Even though others are counting him out, most seem to forget how dynamic Cook was just a few years ago. At his peak, Cook was an elusive running back with getaway speed from opposing defenses. Just two years ago, in 2022, for the Minnesota Vikings, Cook rushed for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns. He also caught 39 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns.
If healthy, Cook would be a perfect addition to the Bengals backfield with what he can do with his legs, but his pass-catching abilities should be even more exciting. There has been a lot of chatter about how the Bengals will have an even more explosive offense, and that should include more passing to the running backs. Cook could be a dynamic addition, even if only used as a backfield option on passing downs.
The best part about signing Cook is that there is virtually no risk. If the Bengals signed Cook and he didn’t work out, they would be out a little bit of money, and that’s it. Cook has always been considered a good teammate, and he’s not going to come into Cincinnati and start causing issues if he doesn’t get as many touches as he believes he should have. If it’s six weeks into the season and Cook isn’t delivering, the team can release him without losing anything. And if he works out? He’d give an already scary offense another weapon they can use as they try to hoist the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season.
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