According to Spotrac, this offseason has seen 31 veteran free agent running backs ink new deals. Of those 31, only twelve landed contracts worth $3 million or more annually. Notable among the signings are Alexander Mattison, along with journeyman D’Onta Foreman and Nyheim Hines, who might have slipped from memory but found teams for the 2024 season.
Even players with disappointing performances in recent years, like Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Rashaad Penny, have secured spots on 90-man rosters. Currently, there are 2,880 individuals vying for positions on NFL teams. However, Dalvin Cook is not among them.
During a recent appearance on NFL Network’s The Insiders, Cook shared his aspirations for the upcoming season and emphasized his desire to prove he’s still the elite player he was prior to 2023, when he served as the Minnesota Vikings’ primary back. He addressed concerns about being “washed up” by stating that his performance will speak for itself. Despite his stint with the New York Jets last season, where he was largely sidelined towards the end, and a brief spell with the Baltimore Ravens for their playoff run, Cook remains determined to showcase his ability to electrify the backfield and impact the scoreboard.
While players like Mattison, Hines, and Penny have different roles and workload expectations compared to Cook, they still strive for roster spots and playing time. Cook’s preference for guaranteed touches likely influenced his decision to join the Jets over the Miami Dolphins last offseason and may contribute to his current free agency status. Additionally, the struggles of the Jets’ offensive line, which ranked poorly according to Pro Football Focus, didn’t help Cook’s case.