“San Francisco 49ers Eye Former Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook to Bolster Running Back Corps Amidst Christian McCaffrey’s Absence”
With Christian McCaffrey nursing an injury until at least the NFC Divisional Round, the San Francisco 49ers are exploring options to reinforce their running back roster.
A potential candidate is the recently-waived Dalvin Cook, who could not only provide an immediate solution in Week 18 but also add depth for a promising playoff campaign.
The New York Jets parted ways with the four-time Pro Bowler and four-time 1,000-yard rusher, creating an opportunity for the 49ers.
Sources, including ESPN’s Adam Schefter, reveal that Cook and the Jets reached a mutual agreement to part ways with the intention of finding a playoff-bound team.
Despite being a seasoned running back with a notable career with the Minnesota Vikings, Cook had limited playing time in New York, amassing only 214 yards on 67 carries.
This was a departure from his earlier seasons, where he consistently demonstrated his prowess with impressive yardage and touchdown stats.
San Francisco’s interest in Cook is driven by the need for additional playmakers in their already dynamic offensive lineup.
In New York, Cook’s playing time was affected by the emergence of running back Breece Hall, who posted significant rushing yards and touchdowns during the initial 16 games of the season.
Financially, the potential acquisition of Cook seems viable for the 49ers, given their comfortable cap space of $38 million. Cook, who had a one-year, $7 million deal with the Jets, reportedly forfeited his remaining guarantees upon the mutual agreement to part ways.
Dalvin Cook just hit 21.7 MPH on this 81-yard TD run! #SKOL
(Via: @NFL)pic.twitter.com/NSUdtR5Ez0
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) November 13, 2022
Despite a challenging season with the Jets, Cook had an impressive 2022 campaign with 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns on 264 carries, boasting a 4.4 yards-per-attempt average.
The Vikings released him due to salary cap constraints, and his signing with the Jets in August 2022 was initially envisioned as a collaboration with quarterback Aaron Rodgers for a Super Bowl pursuit.
However, Rodgers’ early-season injury altered the course of the Jets’ season, prompting Cook to express frustration at his reduced productivity in the league.
As the 49ers weigh their options in the absence of McCaffrey, the addition of Cook could prove to be a valuable asset, injecting experience and skill into their running back rotation.
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