Cowboys stuck in the past with running back signing

That would be impressive if this were 2020.

But in 2024? It's a pebble in the middle of the ocean.

Next to Ezekiel Elliott, who Cowboys owner and general manager Jones brought back on a one-year deal ($2 million) earlier this offseason, Cook gives Dallas two past-their-prime backs who will do little to help quarterback Dak Prescott.

Last season, Cook appeared in 15 games with the Jets and had 67 carries for 214 yards, averaging a career-low 3.2 yards per attempt. For the first time in his career, he didn't score a touchdown the entire season.

Elliott didn't fare much better in New England. He appeared in 17 games (five starts) and posted career lows in attempts (184), yards (642), yards per attempt (3.5) and total touchdowns (five).

The Cook signing is another move that shows Cowboys ownership is a step behind the rest of the league.

The front office dragged its feet in signing first-team All-Pro wideout CeeDee Lamb to a contract extension. A deal that should have been done months ago turned into a saga that only recently reached its conclusion, with Lamb agreeing to a four-year, $136 million ($100 million guaranteed) extension on Aug. 26.

His deal followed several negotiated by his peers, including A.J. Brown, Justin Jefferson and Amon-Ra St. Brown (extension) and Tyreek Hill (restructure) with their respective teams.

Lamb was a training-camp holdout and missed the entire preseason. He already has a strong rapport with Prescott, but his lack of reps throughout the summer could hinder the offense's production early this season.

Don't expect the Cowboys rushing offense to save them.

Unless Jones built a time machine, Cook doesn't move the needle. Instead, he reminds us that the Cowboys are stuck in the past.