- Dalvin Cook joined the Jets this summer on a one-year deal worth $7 million
- Cook has a career-low 214 yards on 67 carries and no touchdowns
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The New York Jets have waived running back Dalvin Cook ahead of the final game of the NFL season, opening the door for the 28-year-old to join a team still chasing glory in the Super Bowl.
Cook had a disastrous stint with the Jets, who signed the four-time Pro Bowl selection last summer to a one-year deal worth $7 million — including $5.8 million guaranteed.
NFL Network first reported Tuesday that the two sides had mutually agreed to part ways, citing Cook's agents. He will hit waivers and would become a free agent if not claimed.
After Aaron Rodgers was lost the entire season with a torn left Achilles tendon in his debut with the Jets, Cook's role in New York's offense never materialized.
He has a career-low 214 yards on 67 carries and no touchdowns, and was recently surpassed by rookie Israel Abanikanda as the backup to Breece Hall in the Jets' backfield. Cook also has just 15 catches for 78 yards – also career lows.
The Jets have waived running back Dalvin Cook ahead of the final game of the NFL season
Cook was in uniform but did not play in Cleveland last Thursday and did not touch the offense in the past two games.
Despite not being used by the Jets, there will likely be interest in Cook from teams entering the playoffs in need of depth in the backfield.
“Dalvin was great,” New York coach Robert Saleh said last Friday. 'I know this has been a difficult season for him. It has been a difficult season for all of us. “I appreciate his professionalism and the way he goes about his business and who he is in the building, the support he gives to his teammates and the support he gives to the backroom.”
Saleh also acknowledged that Cook felt frustrated by his lack of playing time.
“I haven't played professional football, but when you're in it, you know when a player is in pain and I know he's in pain, but his story isn't over,” Saleh said. “He's still got a lot of juice in his legs, but he's been great.”
The Jets signed the four-time Pro Bowl selection to a one-year, $7 million contract last summer
The star running back was released by Minnesota last offseason on salary cap grounds, then visited the Jets during training camp and weighed his options before signing with New York in August.
Cook came to the Jets knowing he would be in a stacked back room that also included the now-released Michael Carter, who is now in Arizona. He said working with Rodgers was a big draw for him.
“Just be Dalvin,” Cook said of his expectations upon joining the Jets. 'Just be me. My number is being called, be explosive.”
He never got that opportunity in New York after finishing third on Minnesota's career rushing list with 5,993 yards after six seasons with the Vikings.