Jets to Waive RB Dalvin Cook, Former Pro Bowler Could Join Playoff Contender

When the New York Jets signed Dalvin Cook to a 1-year, $8.6 million, it felt like Thanos continuing to collect Infinity Stones. The Jets had already acquired Aaron Rodgers and signed wide receiver Allen Lazard, creating a strong core for an offense that was also getting Breece Hall back from injury.

But then the rich got richer, as former Minnesota Vikings Pro Bowl RB Dalvin Cook, who held out most of the off-season looking for the right situation, joined the Jets roster just weeks before the start of the regular season.

We all know what happened next: Aaron Rodgers tore his Achilles on the first drive of New York’s season, and the Jets never fully recovered. New York isn’t embarrassingly bad, holding a 6-10 record heading in to Week 18, but they aren’t anywhere near the playoff and Super Bowl contending team they expected to be.

With one week left to play in the regular season, and with Breece Hall healthy and more intertwined with the future of the franchise, the Jets are waiving Dalvin Cook.

The #Jets have released RB Dalvin Cook, per @LAASportsEnt. He'll go on waivers, and could sign with a playoff contender if he clears. pic.twitter.com/iL8dpO1hZU
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 2, 2024

Cook isn’t exactly a free agent just yet, as the 28-year-old running back first has to clear waivers. Obviously, a team not in playoff contention wouldn’t have a reason to claim a running back with one game left on his current contract: unless it was to block a division rival from claiming him, which might be petty.

Otherwise, playoff teams or even those still needing a Week 18 win to squeak in could put in a legitimate claim for Cook’s services.

If Cook clears waivers, he would be free to sign with a team of his choosing.

Cook is reportedly restructuring his contract to remove any guarantees upon his release from the Jets, making his addition to a potential contender financially easier.

Where will Dalvin Cook land for the 2023-24 NFL playoffs? Which team needs him the most to put their offense over the top? To join the conversation, be sure to follow Sak Sports Blog on Twitter or on Facebook.