There are still some solid running backs available in free agency, and the Indianapolis Colts were recently listed as a realistic landing spot for one of them. According to Bleacher Report, the Colts would be a great fit for veteran back Dalvin Cook, who is searching for a new home after spending the 2023 season as a member of the New York Jets.
Cook isn't the back that he once was, but he could still be a productive player and a nice complement to Jonathan Taylor in Indianapolis' backfield. Here's what B/R had to say about the fit:
"The Indianapolis Colts could be the right spot for Cook to get back on track. While he'd have no chance of usurping Jonathan Taylor for RB1 duties, Cook could work as a serviceable depth option who can seamlessly step into a feature role if Taylor misses time.
"Taylor has been sidelined for 13 games since winning the league's rushing crown in 2021, including a career-high seven games last season due to ankle and thumb injuries. Indy has a real need for veteran depth following Zack Moss' departure in free agency."
Why it would make sense for the Colts
The rationale provided here by Bleacher Report makes sense. After all, Taylor has appeared in just 21 total games over the last two seasons due to injury issues, so having a reliable backup plan in place would be wise for Indianapolis.
Zack Moss carried a large load in Taylor's absence last season, but Moss signed a two-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency, so he won't be there to carry the load again in 2024. The current backup, Trey Sermon, has rushed for a total of 346 yards in his career.
Meanwhile, Cook is a four-time Pro Bowler who is just a season removed from rushing for over 1,100 yards. His addition would help to solidify the backfield in Indianapolis, and is something that the Colts should certainly consider.