The Dallas Cowboys are known for their offensive firepower, but their receiving corps has been lacking in recent years. While CeeDee Lamb has emerged as a superstar, the rest of the unit has struggled to make an impact. Michael Gallup, who was expected to take on a bigger role following Amari Cooper’s injury, regressed after ACL surgery, and 2022 third-round pick Jalen Tolbert did not see much playtime. As a result, the Cowboys are in dire need of improving their receiving corps and must explore all options this offseason.
The Cowboys May Trade for Brandin Cooks
One option that the Cowboys should consider is trading for Texans star Brandin Cooks. Although a trade may seem unlikely, the Cowboys explored making a big move for Cooks before the 2022 trade deadline. While they were reportedly close to acquiring him, they backed out due to his $18 million guaranteed salary for the 2023 season. However, Brandin Cooks could be the solution the Cowboys need to improve their receiving corps.
Cooks has had six 1,000-yard seasons in his career, including four straight spanning 2015-18 with the Saints and Rams. He has proven to be one of the best deep-ball trackers in the game, with 30 catches on balls thrown 20 or more yards downfield over the last three seasons. Cooks’ ability to stretch the field and create explosive plays would be a significant boost to the Cowboys’ passing game.
Although Cooks had a down year in 2022, he thrived in 2021 despite the Texans’ dysfunction and lackluster quarterback play. He compiled 90 catches for 1,037 yards and six touchdowns, showing that he can still be a legitimate difference-maker at the position.
Perhaps a fourth-round draft pick
Cooks’ $18.38 million cap charge in 2023 and $16.6 million cap hit in 2024 are certainly expensive, but the Texans may be willing to accept as little as a fourth-round pick for him, according to Sports Illustrated. With Cooks being just 29 years old despite being a nine-year veteran, he could represent a multi-year solution to one of the Cowboys’ weakest positions.
In conclusion, the Cowboys must act fast and not let Brandin Cooks slip away again. With just a few tweaks, Cooks could be the solution to the Cowboys’ receiving woes and provide the team with the boost they need to make a deep playoff run. While a trade may seem unlikely, it is a risk that the Cowboys must be willing to take if they want to improve their receiving corps and compete for a championship in the upcoming season.
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