The move was confirmed to The Associated Press by Cook’s representatives at LAA Sports & Entertainment on Thursday after Cook accepted waivers and became a free agent.
NFL Network first reported Baltimore’s decision to sign Cook, who agreed to part ways with New York on Tuesday. ESPN also reported that Cook will initially join the Ravens’ practice squad.
The four-time Pro Bowl running back will be able to acclimate to the Ravens’ offense before the team opens the postseason in the AFC Divisional Round in two and a half weeks. It is unclear at this time whether Cook will be available for Baltimore’s final regular-season game at home against Pittsburgh on Saturday.
Baltimore is the top seed in the AFC and will have home field advantage through the playoffs and a first-round bye.
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Cook posted a photo of himself and Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, smiling and holding up a chain with the letters “LAA” for shared agency. I posted a photo. Cook also posted a purple heart emoji, a nod to the Ravens’ colors, and a crossed fingers emoji.
Cook, 28, had a disappointing season with the Jets, where he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and signed a one-year contract worth $7 million (including $5.8 million in guaranteed money) in the summer. He is expected to join quarterback Lamar Jackson in the future to strengthen Baltimore’s backfield.
The Ravens lost running back JK Dobbins to a season-ending injury in the first game. Gus Edwards, who has 13 rushing touchdowns, has been productive in low-yardage situations, and Justice Hill has been contributing a little more lately. But Baltimore could use a little more speed at running back.
Rookie Keaton Mitchell was starting to show his potential, but went down with a season-ending knee injury last month.
Cook’s role in New York’s offense never materialized after Aaron Rodgers lost the season to a torn left Achilles tendon in his fourth game with the Jets.
Cook was expected to form a one-two punch with Breece Hall, who tore ligaments in his knee last season. However, Hall proved healthier than expected and quickly showed his abilities, leaving Cook in a backup role for most of the season.
Cook ran for a career-low 214 yards on 67 carries and no touchdowns, and had just 15 catches for 78 yards, also a career-low.
He was released by Minnesota last offseason for salary cap reasons after gaining 5,993 yards in six seasons with the Vikings and ranking third on Minnesota’s career rushing list.
AP Sports Writer Noah Trister contributed to this report.
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