Dalvin Cook is still sitting around available in NFL free agency as the 2024 NFL season continues to draw closer. Just a couple of years ago, he was one of the most feared running backs in the league. Now, it’s gotten difficult for him to find a job, which shows just how far the running back position has fallen.

With that in mind, there are still a few teams around the NFL that could use some help at the running back position. One of those teams is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Tampa Bay is fresh off of winning the NFC South division title last season and getting into the playoffs. They then went on to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round. Unfortunately, they were unable to get past the Detroit Lions in the Divisional Round.

Now, it appears that they are generating some buzz as a potential landing spot for Cook before the 2024 season.

Buccaneers Emerging As Suitor For Dalvin Cook

Matt Holder, an analyst for Bleacher Report, has suggested that the Buccaneers could sign Cook before the season. He certainly would make sense as a quality depth option and a backup running back that could handle a decent workload.

Here is what Holder had to say about the potential fit between Cook and the Buccaneers.

“Rachaad White had a good season last fall but isn’t great at creating yards after contact. While the Buccaneers used a fourth-round pick on Bucky Irving, Irving’s sub-200-pound frame suggests he’ll struggle in short-yardage situations at the next level. So, adding a bruiser in the backfield would be a wise investment for Tampa Bay.”

During the 2023 season, Cook was unable to carve out a role with the New York Jets. However, back in 2022, he put together a big year. He carried the football 264 times for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns.

There is no reason to believe that Cook is incapable of replicating his 2022 success with a big role in 2024. He has fresh legs after being used sparingly last season. Cook also has a chip on his shoulder due to his usage last year.

For a team like the Buccaneers that wants to compete, making an aggressive move for a recent superstar running back would make a lot of sense.

Baker Mayfield and the passing game are expected to put up numbers. White is a good running back, but a one-two punch of White and Cook could be lethal. They should strongly look into making this move.

Granted, there is nothing concrete that has linked the Buccaneers to having interest in Dalvin Cook. However, they do need a short-yardage running back and a player who can take pressure off of White. They should look no further than Cook.

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