Bucs shouldn't fall for the Dalvin Cook trap, despite temptation
Don't do it. Just don't.
By Ryan Heckman
This weekend, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have their opportunity to punch a ticket to the postseason with a victory over the Carolina Panthers. It's that simple, they win and they're in.
While quarterback Baker Mayfield has played extremely well this season, all things considered, the Bucs have also had a hard time running the football. It's been the Mayfield show, while the Bucs' run game ranks second-to-last in the league.
Tuesday, one former big name running back was cut in Dalvin Cook, with the New York Jets allowing him to go find a contender to sign with. Although it seems like a nice gesture, Cook is far from deserving of that courtesy.
Watching Cook this year in his limited action in New York, it's plain to see: he's done. Cook is, well, cooked, you could say. But, the name is still what will draw some teams in; specifically, contending teams who want to add a veteran running back.
If the Bucs make the playoffs with a win this weekend, I could see the temptation to sign a guy like the former Minnesota Vikings stud.
Dalvin Cook is now a free agent, but the Bucs aren't a team that should be looking his way.
On one hand, the Bucs don't have a single running back on the roster averaging more than 3.6 yards per carry. That should signal a call for help. However, that call for help is not at the running back position.
The fact is, Tampa Bay needs help on the interior offensive line. If you look at what happens when White gets the ball in space, it's a beautiful thing. He's been fantastic in the passing game and, when he gets a lane on the ground, he takes it.
The problem is not with the Bucs not having enough talent in the back field. And, even if you want to make the argument that they need more talent at the running back position, a washed Dalvin Cook is not the solution.
Cook is averaging career lows in yards per carry (3.2) as well as yards per reception (5.2) and has yet to score this season. Just pull up the tape. He's done. Let's move on.
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