4 biggest mistakes NY Jets GM Joe Douglas made this offseason

3. Signing Dalvin Cook

Dalvin Cook's downfall was obvious to anyone who paid attention last season. Despite his gaudy box-score numbers, Cook was one of the least efficient running backs in football in 2022.

The four-time Pro Bowler ranked dead last in RYOE (rushing yards over expected), and his film was littered with red flags indicating he wasn't the same explosive running back he was in his prime.

There's a reason the Minnesota Vikings decided to move on from Cook when they did. Despite this, the Jets thought it would be wise to sign Cook to a one-year, nearly fully guaranteed $7 million contract this summer.

As should have been expected, Cook has been downright awful. The 28-year-old ranks dead last in the NFL in RYOE/attempt (surprised?), and his 2.8 yards per carry ranks second-to-last behind only Matt Breida.

Cook has also proven to be an unreliable ball-carrier (fumbles) and pass-catcher — two issues that have plagued him throughout his career. In the past, he was able to make up for it with his explosiveness. That explosiveness has all but disappeared at this point.

The Jets spent a good chunk of money on one of the worst running backs in football when that cap space could've been used to address other positions of need: namely backup quarterback and wide receiver — more on that momentarily.

Cook remains the de facto RB2, but the Jets were shopping him around to anyone who would listen prior to the trade deadline. They couldn't find a taker.

The Jets now seem to realize what they should have already known this summer: Dalvin is Cooked.