Damning Dalvin Cook stats show Cowboys should stay far away from veteran RB

The Dallas Cowboys look like they'll reunite with old friends La'el Collins and Damien Wilson. Collins and Wilson represent smart, low-risk moves with potentially high rewards. Both players started as recently as 2022 and would give the Cowboys welcomed depth along the offensive line and the second level of the defense.

With the Cowboys suddenly in the mood to upgrade their roster, numerous fans want them to sign veteran running back Dalvin Cook, who mutually agreed with the Jets to part ways on Tuesday to allow him the opportunity to join a contender.

On paper, it makes sense for the Cowboys to pursue Cook. Tony Pollard hasn't performed as expected as RB1, while backup Rico Dowdle has nursed an ankle injury for the better part of a month. Not to mention, Deuce Vaughn has offered next to nothing as a rusher and Malik Davis is out of practice squad elevations and unlikely to be signed to the active roster.

With all of that said, why not throw a dart at Cook and see if he can provide a spark? Well, that's because he's been one of the NFL's worst running backs this season.

Get a load of these stats from Lindsay Rhodes of SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio.

The Cowboys better not think about signing RB Dalvin Cook after Jets release

If those stats don't prove that Cook is washed, then nothing will. Granted, the Jets offensive line has been ransacked by injuries, but second-year running back Breece Hall has 1,395 yards from scrimmage (816 rushing) behind the same line despite being a little over a year removed from ACL surgery.

Cook's longest carry with the Jets went for 14 yards. He ranks dead-last in the league in rushing yards over expected per carry this year after ranking dead-last in the same category last season. That's not all, if you can believe it.

Cook's 2.21 yards after contact per attempt is second-worst in the league among RBs who've logged at least 65 carries, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required). He's also forced the ninth-fewest missed tackles at the position. If he couldn't find success behind the Jets' OL, odds are he won't behind the Cowboys line, which has struggled to block for the run.

Everybody recognizes that Dallas' rushing attack needs to improve, but it's a scheme and OL performance issue more than a personnel issue.

Let's not forget that the Cowboys kicked the tires on signing Cook after he was released by the Vikings and didn't pursue him. He's clearly close to being done. If Dallas really wants to add to its running back room before the playoffs, they'd be better of plucking someone of a team's practice squad.

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