The nearly acquired wide receiver Brandin Cooks prior to last season’s NFL trade deadline, and it remains to be seen whether the franchise could once again explore a deal with the Houston Texans. The Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken reported that the Cowboys have “ambition” to add another “dynamic weapon” this offseason.
“While other quality skill-position players, including wide receiver Michael Gallup, are on the roster, multiple people familiar with the club’s thinking said the team has ambition here,” Gehlken wrote on March 2, 2023. “Another dynamic weapon, it believes, is needed. Another dynamic weapon will be added.
“He could come in the draft. He could come in the veteran market. While entertaining all avenues, the Cowboys are actively pursuing a difference-making playmaker to bolster quarterback Dak Prescott’s arsenal.”
This has prompted speculation on just who Dallas is targeting to bolster their offense in the coming months. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggested a potential deal that has the Cowboys sending two fourth-round picks (2023, 2024) in exchange for Cooks.
“Cooks isn’t interested in being a part of Houston’s rebuild, and he has requested a trade this offseason,” Knox noted on March 6. “Circling back to Cooks would make plenty of sense for Dallas.
“With Cooks’ $18 million base salary guaranteed and on the books for Houston, the Texans won’t be inclined to let Cooks go for proverbial pennies. However, a couple of early Day 3 selections could be enough to get Houston’s attention, since Cooks has no desire to play in Houston this season.”
The Texans’ Asking Price Combined With Brandin Cooks’ Salary Prevented a Trade
Yet, the same roadblocks that prevented a deal for Cooks getting done last season remain from Dallas’ perspective. Cooks has two years remaining on a $39 million contract and a $18 million salary for 2023 that Dallas was unwilling to take on at the trade deadline. Given Cooks’ unhappiness, Houston may be more willing to eat some of Cooks’ salary in order to facilitate a deal.
“The Cowboys and Texans were discussing a deal to send WR Brandin Cooks to Dallas, per sources,” on November 1, 2022. “And the sides were in the neighborhood on comp. Cooks’ $18 million guarantee for 2023 was the dealbreaker here.”
Will McClay on Brandin Cooks: ‘He Was Making a Whole
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