If there’s one team that most NFL commentators and experts agree will be hard to beat going into the playoffs, it’s the Baltimore Ravens. Why? Because of Lamar Jackson, of course. When he’s on, he’s on. Sure, they stumbled earlier in the season. But, right now, Jackson seems to be on a mission, and the Ravens are the team to beat. Now they have some added fuel, as the Baltimore Ravels are reportedly signing Dalvin Cook ahead of the playoffs.
Baltimore Ravens & Dalvin Cook
Free-agent running back Dalvin Cook signed with the New York Jets in August 2023. At the time, it seemed like a stellar move, as Aaron Rodgers was the team’s quarterback, and the Jets were one of the most buzzed-about teams in the NFL. But, we all know what happened. Rodgers suffered a season-ending injury, and suddenly, the Jets had little hope for the 2023 season.
Now, Cook is getting a massive second chance at getting to the Super Bowl this year. He’s “expected to sign with the Baltimore Ravens after passing through waivers unclaimed this week,” according to NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero (via NFL.com). Adam Schefter of ESPN also confirmed the news, stating on X, “The Jets paid Cook $6.8 million this season and now he will get a chance to pursue a Super Bowl appearance with the Ravens.”
Cook is not expected to be on the field during the Ravens’ Week 18 game on Saturday (Jan. 6) against the Pittsburgh Steelers. They’re saving him for the Ravens’ first playoff game, which will take place on either Jan. 20 or 21. The Baltimore Ravens are currently the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed, so they will get a wild-card weekend bye and host a game in the Divisional Round. It doesn’t get much better than that for Cook.
The Jets and Cook made the decision to part ways earlier week, and it was mutual. It was a fruitless season for Cook, after inking a meaty one-year contract with the Jets. Before he was with the Jets, Cook was a star with the Vikings. He averaged 1,254 rush yards per year and totaled 43 rushing TDs the previous four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He was expected to do big things with the Jets, but when Rodgers went down, it was pretty much all over.
It’s nice to see Cook resurrect with the Ravens. When the news of Cook parting ways with the Jets broke earlier this week, I saw a lot of people making fun of him on X and saying that his days on the field were over. He’s only 28. I don’t even consider that old in NFL years. This guy has a lot of juice left in him, so I’m looking forward to seeing what he does with the Ravens.
Check out the upcoming NFL Week 18 schedule and how to watch all of the game here. The Pittsburgh, Baltimore game is the first of the weekend, taking place Saturday (Jan. 6) at 4:30 p.m. at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
Who Did Dalvin Cook Play For in College?
If you’re wondering, Dalvin Cook played college football at Florida State. There, he ended his career as the school’s all-time leading rusher. Pretty impressive.