Key Takeaways:
– Kansas City Chiefs urged to consider picking Dalvin Cook as the main running back over Isaiah Pacheco.
– Despite a low point in Cook’s career in 2023, analysts see potential for a comeback.
– Jerick McKinnon, the current veteran team leader has been battling injuries posing concerns for the future.
– Cook is exercising patience choosing his next team as he expresses a positive outlook.
As May 20, 2024, unfurls, the Kansas City Chiefs are reportedly entertaining suggestions for a new veteran running back to take the field behind Isiah Pacheco. An insider from Bleacher Report, Alex Ballentine, has thrown the four-time Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook’s name into the mix as a “realistic target” for Kansas City.
“The Chiefs, under the reliable stewardship of Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes, are in sound offensiveness. However, an add-on would be beneficial,” observes Ballentine. His suggestion of Cook as a potential RB recruit comes from the perception that Cook could assume Jerick McKinnon’s role as a pass-catching back.
Is Dalvin Cook Ready for a Comeback?
It is undeniable that Cook’s performance in the 2023 season, particularly during his time with the New York Jets, did not match his sterling scores from the previous seasons. Cook averaged only 3.2 yards per carry and 5.2 yards per reception. Despite these figures, one has to remember his record of four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons, amounting to over 8,000 career scrimmage yards.
Given his vast experience and previous performances, it’s quite possible that Cook’s playmaking days are far from over. Time and again, athletes have hit low points, only to bounce back with even more vigor.
Jerick McKinnon’s Future in Question
Kansas City Chiefs stalwart and team leader Jerick McKinnon has had a run of bad luck with injuries. This issue became evident last year when he missed eight vital games due to a core muscle injury and a fractured pelvis. Despite these injuries, he returned just in time for the Super Bowl. While he has not been quite vocal on social media this offseason, there’s a subtle hint of unrest brewing. It paints a cloudy picture of McKinnon’s future prospects in the league.
An Optimistic Dalvin Cook
As Cook’s free agent status unfolds, he spoke with KPRC2 NFL insider Aaron Wilson on May 18 about his anticipation for “what’s ahead.” Speaking about his training, he commented, “It’s been different for me this offseason, [sports performance coach] Justin [Allen’s] been tapping into a bunch of different things for me. So, it’s been exciting.”
His words reflect a resilience and a readiness to take on challenges, potentially marking him as a valuable asset. Right now, Cook is reportedly open to calls from interested franchises.
Strength or a Gamble?
With these factors in sight, Cook would bring a higher ceiling than Edwards-Helaire and the current crop of backup players. There’s a hopeful notion that Cook might still have something substantial to offer Kansas City Chiefs and is worth the investment.
While the uncertainties surrounding McKinnon’s future create room for speculation, the case for Cook continues to strengthen. It would be interesting to track the course of events in the coming weeks. The big question is whether the Chiefs believe in Cook’s star power and if they would shed sufficient dollars to acquire his skills.