Dalvin Cook is joining the NFL best Ravens after being waived by the Jets

Following his release from the New York Jets, Dalvin Cook is teaming up with the Baltimore Ravens for their playoff campaign. Cook’s representatives from LAA Sports & Entertainment validated the news to The Associated Press on Thursday after Cook went unclaimed on waivers and transitioned into free agency. First disclosed by NFL Network, the Ravens’ decision to sign Cook happened after his separation from the Jets on Tuesday. ESPN also revealed that Cook will initially join the Ravens’ practice squad. As a four-time Pro Bowl honoree, Cook will familiarize himself with the Ravens’ offensive play before the team begins its postseason at the AFC divisional round in around 2 1/2 weeks. It remains uncertain if Cook will be in play for Baltimore’s regular season end on home ground Saturday, against Pittsburgh. As the prime seed in the AFC, Baltimore has bagged the first round bye plus home field advantage throughout the playoffs. Cook posted an image on X, formerly known as Twitter, featuring him smiling and showing off chains with "LAA” initials for their shared agency. He also posted a purple heart emoji representing the Ravens’ color and a crossing fingers emoji. The 28-year-old Cook's stint with the Jets was disheartening after signing a one-year $7 million contract, including a guaranteed $5.8 million. He is joining Lamar Jackson to strengthen Baltimore's backfield. The Ravens lost their RB J.K. Dobbins to a season-ending injury in the inaugural game. While Gus Edwards and Justice Hill have been productive, Baltimore needs more pace in their running back position. But an injury to rookie Keaton Mitchell last month derailed those plans. Cook's anticipated role in the Jets’ offensive play dissipated after Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in his Jets debut. Cook was poised to pair up with Breece Hall, who was returning from knee injuries. However, Hall's immediate impact left Cook in the backup spot. With a disappointing 214 yards on 67 carries, no touchdowns, and a mere 15 catches for 78 yards, Cook had his worst season of his career. After not being utilized in the past two games, the Minnesota Vikings released Cook due to salary cap constraints last offseason. Cook had ranked third on Minnesota’s all-time rushing list, accumulating 5,993 yards throughout his six seasons with the Vikings. Noah Trister, AP Sports Writer, contributed to this news.