Ravens Add Former Vikings Star Dalvin Cook to Bolster Backfield

Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, August 10th 2025 at 0:50 GMT by The Sporting News
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The Baltimore Ravens are adding even more competition to their running back room.

Ravens Bolster Backfield by Signing Former Vikings Star Running Back Dalvin Cook

In a move that could significantly enhance their rushing attack as they gear up for the playoffs, the Baltimore Ravens have officially signed veteran running back Dalvin Cook to their roster. This acquisition comes at a pivotal time for the Ravens, who have already clinched the top seed in the AFC and are looking to add depth and experience to their backfield amid injury concerns and the need for a reliable option in high-stakes games. Cook, a four-time Pro Bowler during his tenure with the Minnesota Vikings, brings a wealth of talent and proven production to a team that has long prided itself on a dominant ground game.

Dalvin Cook's journey to Baltimore has been a winding one this season. After spending the first six years of his NFL career with the Vikings, where he established himself as one of the league's premier running backs, Cook was released by Minnesota in June as part of a salary-cap maneuver. The 28-year-old Florida native had been a cornerstone of the Vikings' offense, amassing over 5,000 rushing yards and 47 touchdowns during his time there. His explosive speed, vision, and ability to break tackles made him a fan favorite and a consistent threat, earning him Pro Bowl nods from 2019 to 2022. However, injuries, including a nagging shoulder issue, and the Vikings' shift toward a more pass-heavy scheme under head coach Kevin O'Connell led to his departure.

Following his release, Cook signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets in August, hoping to complement young star Breece Hall and contribute to an offense led by quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Unfortunately, the Jets' season unraveled quickly after Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury just four plays into the opener. Cook's role diminished as the team struggled, and he appeared in 15 games, rushing for only 214 yards on 67 carries with no touchdowns—a stark contrast to his previous output. His average of 3.2 yards per carry was the lowest of his career, and he often found himself lower on the depth chart behind Hall and undrafted rookie Israel Abanikanda. Frustrated with his limited opportunities, Cook and the Jets mutually agreed to part ways earlier this week, allowing him to seek a new team for the postseason.

The Ravens, ever opportunistic, swooped in to add Cook to their practice squad initially, with plans to elevate him for playoff action. This signing addresses a clear need in Baltimore's running back room, which has been plagued by injuries throughout the year. Star back J.K. Dobbins suffered a torn Achilles in Week 1, sidelining him for the season, while Gus Edwards and Justice Hill have shouldered much of the load but have shown signs of wear. Rookie Keaton Mitchell provided a spark before a knee injury ended his campaign, leaving the team thin. Quarterback Lamar Jackson's dual-threat ability has kept the Ravens' run game elite—they rank first in the NFL in rushing yards per game—but adding a player of Cook's caliber could provide the insurance and versatility needed for a deep playoff run.

Head coach John Harbaugh expressed enthusiasm about the addition, noting Cook's explosiveness and experience in big games. "Dalvin is a proven playmaker who's been in the fire before," Harbaugh said in a team statement. "We're excited to integrate him into our system and see how he can help us as we chase our goals." For Cook, this represents a fresh start and an opportunity to chase a Super Bowl ring with a contender. At 28, he's still in his prime athletic years, and a change of scenery to a run-first offense like Baltimore's could reignite his career. Analysts point out that the Ravens' offensive line, one of the league's best, could provide the blocking Cook lacked in New York, allowing him to showcase the burst that made him a 1,000-yard rusher in four straight seasons with the Vikings.

This move also underscores the Ravens' aggressive approach to roster building under general manager Eric DeCosta. Baltimore has a history of making savvy veteran additions late in the season—think of players like Jadeveon Clowney or Yannick Ngakoue this year—who contribute immediately. Cook fits that mold perfectly, offering not just rushing prowess but also receiving skills out of the backfield, with over 1,300 career receiving yards. In Minnesota, he was often used as a checkdown option for Kirk Cousins, and with Jackson's improvisational style, Cook could become a safety valve in the passing game.

From a broader NFL perspective, Cook's signing highlights the volatility of the running back market. Once valued highly, positions like Cook's have seen diminished contracts due to the league's emphasis on passing and the short shelf life of rushers. Cook himself took a pay cut to join the Jets and now joins the Ravens on what is likely a minimal deal, but the potential payoff in postseason success could be immense. Fans and pundits alike are buzzing about how Cook might mesh with Edwards and Hill, potentially forming a three-headed monster that wears down defenses.

As the Ravens prepare for their first playoff game—likely against a wild-card opponent after their bye week—integrating Cook quickly will be key. He'll need to learn the playbook and build chemistry with the offensive line, but his veteran savvy should accelerate that process. If Cook can recapture even a fraction of his Vikings form, Baltimore's offense, already potent with Jackson at the helm and weapons like Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews, could become unstoppable. This signing isn't just about depth; it's about adding a potential game-changer who knows what it takes to perform under the bright lights of January football.

Looking ahead, Cook's addition could have ripple effects on the Ravens' strategy. In regular-season games, Baltimore averaged over 160 rushing yards per contest, but playoffs often demand adaptability. Cook's presence allows for more rotation, preserving legs for the long haul. Moreover, his experience in cold-weather games from his Minnesota days could prove invaluable if the Ravens host playoff matchups at M&T Bank Stadium. While it's uncertain how large his role will be initially, the upside is clear: a motivated Dalvin Cook on a mission to prove doubters wrong could be the X-factor in Baltimore's quest for their first Super Bowl since 2012.

In summary, the Ravens' signing of Dalvin Cook is a calculated risk with high reward potential. It addresses immediate needs, adds star power, and positions the team as even stronger favorites in the AFC. As the postseason looms, all eyes will be on how this former Viking adapts to life as a Raven, potentially writing the next chapter in what has already been a remarkable career. (Word count: 928)

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Ravens Add Former Vikings Star Dalvin Cook to Bolster Backfield

Ravens Bolster Backfield by Signing Former Vikings Star Running Back Dalvin Cook