Speaking with reporters on Thursday, Dalvin Cook didn’t hold back his thoughts on his current role with his new team.
The four-time Pro Bowler signed with the New York Jets on Aug. 15, and while he’s still getting his legs underneath him, Cook has struggled in his limited playing time. He has 109 rushing yards on 39 attempts (2.8 yards per carry) through his first six games with Gang Green.
On Thursday, the 28-year-old Cook, who was cut by the Minnesota Vikings this past offseason, says he still believes he’s the same player, per SNY’s Connor Hughes. Cook believes that his average yards per game is down because of his usage—and he’s largely right, but his lack of usage seems to be due to his lack of production.
According to Hughes, Cook asked what he was going to do “with three touches.”
When it comes to a trade, he’d have to talk to his agent or Jets’ general manager Joe Douglas. He hasn’t done that, though. At least not yet.
Those in the NFL world—particularly Jets fans—were quick to react as Cook voiced his frustrations about his role.
Maybe Dalvin Cook should’ve studied up on Breece Hall before signing https://t.co/NziGUbbPRI
— Ben Cummins (@BenCumminsFF) October 26, 2023
Breece Hall is averaging 6.5 YPC on 66 attempts.
Dalvin Cook is averaging 2.8 YPC on 39 attempts.
I’ve heard this from Will Gholston all the time ‘don’t count the reps, make the reps count.’
How can coaches rationalize to players giving more carries to Dalvin & less to Breece? https://t.co/L2xNhNQkfO
— Evan Closky (@ECloskyWTSP) October 26, 2023
Boy, you had a chance before Breece was 100% and you wasted it. Trade him.
— Nick✈TheFanatic (@JetsFanNick) October 26, 2023
Wonder what he did that got his carries down. I can’t put my finger on it #Jets https://t.co/EjrkaA08Cn pic.twitter.com/0ZVqGHDUU8
— Matt O'Leary (@MattOLearyNY) October 26, 2023
Cook was never going to overtake Breece Hall’s role in the offense. More relevant is the fact that Cook hasn’t done anything with his opportunities, while Breece has been one of the best RBs in football. Jets would be better off getting Izzy involved and phasing Cook out anyway.… https://t.co/P22J0vPlLn
— Brandyn Pokrass (@BPok24) October 26, 2023
No one expected you to run in cement either… I slammed the table for Cook for months … shame on me https://t.co/4Ocg0Z5PmV
— J. Gray (@JGrayJets) October 26, 2023
This is what happens when you and your agent, prioritize money, over everything. Would have been better off taking a little less, and playing in front of friends an family in Miami. Heck, he could have made just as much in Minnesota, even with a paycut… https://t.co/vNSV0Rs1dA
— Eric Hughes (@e_hughes11) October 26, 2023
Wasn’t it fully expressed to Cook that he was partially signed as the Jets insurance policy if Breece Hall’s recovery was longer than expected? And Cook also telling the press that good competition will bring the best out of everybody? https://t.co/zrWjEUrLAf
— Danny Bags (@DannyBagsZ) October 26, 2023
Did a whole months long free agency hype tour just to be riding the bench https://t.co/ATCDGSHPdU
— Ravens (@U__G__O_) October 26, 2023
Let’s be completely honest with ourselves…. Breece Hall needs the ball more not less… sorry Dalvin Cook… 2 YPC won’t cut it https://t.co/8QBZi4Dt2b
— J. Gray (@JGrayJets) October 26, 2023
well the jets probably didn’t expect to not have rodgers
— BostonChips (@bostonchips) October 26, 2023
To be fair, it wasn't what we expected either. I think both parties would be better off parting ways. He'd have been way more involved with 8 taking snaps. We'd just be running more plays, as it is, nobody on Earth would give him more touches than Hall. https://t.co/EDQxXuLwVE
— #DoomSayer (@MrBill11) October 26, 2023
I beg you, get rid of this loser @nyjets https://t.co/JPcc8iU5Vf
— Mike Nash (@MikeNash15) October 26, 2023
Dalvin Cook received 25 carries over the first 3 weeks of the season and averaged 2.32 YPC.
It goes without saying, but this is obviously complete nonsense. https://t.co/4YOUph74Jx
— The Jet Press (@TheJetPress) October 26, 2023
Cook is the second notable offseason acquisition to see their role largely diminish. Mecole Hardman was the other, and he’s since been traded to the Kansas City Chiefs. That can be attributed to many things, but probably the biggest reason why neither has seemingly worked out is the absence of Aaron Rodgers, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon on his fourth snap of the season.
The offense would likely be clicking a lot more, as it’s been changed to fit the mold of an eccentric third-year quarterback in Zach Wilson. While Cook has every right to be frustrated, it’s not like he’s been producing in his limited chances. And at this point in his career, it’s hard to fathom that Cook would help New York’s offense in two of its biggest areas of concern — the red zone and converting third downs.
