Veteran running back Dalvin Cook has agreed to terms on a contract with the Dallas Cowboys, agency LAA told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Cook will start on the Cowboys’ practice squad:

The four-time Pro Bowler was snow by the Minnesota Vikings last June after a trade partner failed to materialize. He didn’t sign with a team until August, agreeing to a one-year deal with the New York Jets.

That seemed to indicate widespread skepticism about Cook’s value for the future, and his achievements could hardly be refuted.

Breece Hall, fresh off an ACL injury, wasted no time in cementing his status as the top rushing option in New York’s backfield. That left Cook relegated to the reserve role, and he struggled mightily in a reduced role.

The 28-year-old ran for 214 yards and scored zero touchdowns in 15 games, a 3.2 yards per attempt that is well below his career average (4.6).

It took six games for Cook to begin exploring his future in New York, but a cut didn’t come until early January. He then signed with the Baltimore Ravens and saw action only in their AFC divisional round win over the Houston Texans, carrying the ball eight times for 23 yards.

The Jets were hobbled from the start by Aaron Rodgers’ Achilles injury. They were doomed to failure anyway due to issues that had nothing to do with his absence.

The offensive line in particular was a concern that was raised in the offseason and proved to be a sore spot with a combination of injuries and lackluster output. The state of the O-line is also a factor that may help explain why Cook has been such a shadow of his former self.

According to Pro Football Reference, a successful run is one that completes at least 40 percent of its required yardage on first down, 60 percent on second down and then 100 percent on third and fourth downs. Cook’s 38.8 percent successful rushing rate was nearly 10 percent below his average from his six years in Minnesota (48.5). He also managed just 1.9 yards per carry before contact, another career low.

The days of Cook eclipsing 1,000 yards on the ground and 1,500 yards from scrimmage are likely over. Put him in an offense with a more stable O-line and some semblance of a passing game, and he could look a lot different in 2023 than he did.

In the short term, it’s not a bad bet for the Cowboys to bet on him coming back.

It was an understandable decision to let Tony Pollard go as a free agent, as his three-year, $21.8 million contract with the Tennessee Titans was a significant investment in today’s market.

However, fans are rightly wondering if Cook and the returning Ezekiel Elliott will bring about positive change together.