Dalvin Cook forfeited $270,000 in guaranteed pay to become free agent

In order to compete for a chance to hoist a Lombardi Trophy this season, Dalvin Cook needed a new home.

The New York Jets (6-10), eliminated from the playoffs, released the veteran running back earlier this week, giving him a chance to achieve said goal. The Baltimore Ravens (13-3), the No. 1 seed in the AFC, signed Cook Thursday.

But in order to give himself a chance at winning a Super Bowl, Cook had to make some sacrifices. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Cook waived $270,000 in guaranteed pay for Week 18 from the Jets, reducing his compensation to $60,000 for the final week of the season.

“The CBA will result in Cook receiving $45,500 for next week’s bye,” Florio wrote. “If the Ravens win in the divisional round, Cook gets $50,500. A win in the conference championship game results in another $73,000.”

Florio added that if the Ravens win the Super Bowl, Cook will make up that $270,000 and then some.

“If the Ravens get to the Super Bowl, Cook will make $258,000,” Florio wrote. “If they win it, he’ll get $333,000.”

Dalvin Cook gets a fresh start in Baltimore

The former Minnesota Vikings (7-9) star had four straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons before signing with New York in 2023. This year, he’s tallied a career-low 214 yards on 3.2 yards per carry playing second-fiddle to Breece Hall.

Cook, 28, exceeded 10 carries in just one game — the season opening win over the Buffalo Bills (10-6). He had 33 yards on 13 carries in that outing. In his last appearance, the 22-20 defeat to the Miami Dolphins (11-5) on Dec. 17, Cook had one carry for four yards and one reception for six yards.

Just good business for everyone,” Jets head coach Robert Saleh said Wednesday. “Dalvin’s been an incredible teammate since he’s walked in here. Obviously, it hasn’t gone the way any of us wanted. He’s been an unbelievable teammate, an unbelievable mentor to the young guys. I know he’s hurting, not physically but just wanting to be out there to help the team.

“He’s put aside all his frustrations and shown up with a smile on his face, energy in practice… And he’s been an unbelievable teammate. Whatever opportunity he gets I know he’s going to be great.”

The Ravens currently deploy a three-man backfield consisting of Gus Edwards, Justice Hill and Melvin Gordon.