The Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens could both need a boost at running back in the postseason. Dalvin Cook’s name has surfaced as a potential late-season addition for a playoff-bound squad.
The Chiefs have recently suffered many backfield injuries. Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire are both questionable for Week 17 against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Chiefs need a reliable running back for the postseason since their passing game has been abysmal this season, with their receivers leading the league in drops.
The Ravens have had terrible luck keeping their running backs healthy. J.K. Dobbins was ruled out for the season after suffering an Achilles injury in Week 1. Keaton Mitchell went down with a knee injury in December.
Cook might sign with one of these AFC contenders in January.
Could the Kansas City Chiefs or Baltimore Ravens sign Cook?
NBC Sports’ Mike Florio wrote on Cook’s omission from the Jets offense. Cook saw no action in the Jets’ loss to the Cleveland Browns on Thursday night. Florio wondered if the Jets would cut Cook before Week 18 so that a playoff club might pay his salary:
He has already stated that he does not wish to be released. With only one game remaining, why not request to be cut? If he clears waivers, he is free to join any playoff club at any moment. Even if he does not sign with a team straight away, he can wait to see whether a starter for a team that advances is hurt.
The Jets are not required to do so. But if they don’t intend to use him much, if at all, in a meaningless Week 18 game against New England, they should simply let him go.”
Cook stated that he did not want to be released by the Jets in early December because his family had made their home in New Jersey. Cook made those remarks a month and a half after pleading with the Jets to trade him to a team that would offer him more carries.
How much adjustment to New Jersey occurred in six weeks? Cook, who will be eligible for free agency in March, will have to relocate his family if he accepts another NFL job. If the Jets release him, Cook could stay in New Jersey with his family while playing for a playoff club.
Cook would almost probably see more carries with the Ravens and Chiefs, if not be named RB1 for the playoffs. What are the disadvantages of joining the Ravens or the Chiefs?
A longer playoff run with one of those clubs may keep him out of New Jersey until the middle of February.