Jerry Jones says 'right circumstances' led to Dalvin Cook signing

The Dallas Cowboys' decision to sign Dalvin Cook moves the needle in terms of name power, but the 29-year-old four-time Pro Bowler still has plenty to prove.

For Jerry Jones and company, those questions regarding Cook's potential upside made the risk worth the reward, as the running back is expected to join the practice squad initially. Jones spoke with reporters about a number of topics on Wednesday, including the decision to sign Cook, a move he deemed as the "right circumstances" for the Cowboys, per The Athletic's Jon Machota.

“Dalvin is someone that we all have an appreciation for his career. He gives us a chance to get in here and run the system. He’s initially on the practice squad, gives him a chance to get in here and learn the system," Jones said."

"We had hoped that as time went along in this offseason, we would have an opportunity to maybe look at a player of his stature if the right circumstances came along. They came along."

Jones went on to say that Cook is in good shape and will "get a lot more work" while also stating the belief that he could "easily really help" the Cowboys out this season.

But after a season in which he played 15 games with the New York Jets and one postseason game with the Baltimore Ravens, there's no shortage of question marks surrounding Cook ahead of the 2024 season. The longtime Minnesota Vikings running back averaged a meager 3.2 yards per attempt with the Jets, totaling 67 carries for 214 yards, while rushing eight times for 23 yards in one game with Baltimore.

However, if Cook can show even a glimpse of the player he was during his six seasons in Minnesota, he's in prime position to revive his career. The Cowboys are filled with uncertainty at the running back position, with veteran Ezekiel Elliott back and expected to lead a committee approach that also features Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn.

The Cowboys' backfield has become one of the most interesting storylines surrounding the team as Week 1 approaches. The favorite to lead the way has to be Elliott currently, but the door is wide open for anyone to emerge, including Cook.