Houston Texans star wide receiver Brandin Cooks displayed his frustration over their recent trade of Mark Ingram through social media.
For the vastly underrated five-time 1,000-yard receiver, this is the latest example of a terrible Texans team giving up on the season after a 1-6 start. As a veteran, that obviously can’t sit well with Cooks.
With the NFL trade deadline now less than a week away, we’re going to start hearing rumors that Cooks might be dealt by the Texans. If so, there’s going to be no limit in the number of teams interested in the star pass-catcher. Below, we look at five ideal Brandin Cooks trade scenarios.
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Aaron Rodgers gets another playmaker
We have focused on this possibility a bit in recent weeks. The reason? It makes sense for both parties. Despite his Green Bay Packers starting 6-1, Aaron Rodgers is missing that true No. 2 option behind Davante Adams. In fact, Allen Lazard is second behind Adams among Packers receivers with a mere 15 catches. He’s also sidelined to COVID-19.
From Houston’s perspective, the possibility of acquiring 2020 first-round pick Jordan Love in a trade for Cooks might make a ton of sense. While the team seems to be high on rookie Davis Mills, he’s shown very little in replacing an injured Tyrod Taylor under center. Why not see what Love can provide for the rebuilding team?
Brandin Cooks shipped off to the San Francisco 49ers
At 2-4 on the season, some might believe San Francisco should be sellers. Potentially a way to recoup some of the draft stock it gave away in the Trey Lance trade. I am just not seeing it this way. The 49ers are built to win over the long-term. It’s all about the quarterback position and some major issues at wide receiver.
Hence, why Cooks to Northern California would make a ton of sense. He’d slot in as the No. 1 option in front of Deebo Samuel. This is magnified by the fact that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has Brandon Aiyuk in the dog house for some reason. If San Francisco refuses to use the stud young wide receiver, why not ship him off to Houston for Cooks? In reality, this would make a ton of sense for a rebuilding Texans team given that Aiyuk was darn good as a rookie and is five years younger than Brandin Cooks.
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Brandin Cooks heads to Sin City
Despite the resignation of Jon Gruden, these Raiders have to be seen as legit playoff contenders. They have won two consecutive since Gruden’s shocking departure and have one of the most-electric offenses in the NFL. In fact, Derek Carr (wait for it) looks like a real franchise quarterback. The veteran is completing 68% of his passes for 2,269 yards with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions in seven games.
The idea here would be to provide Carr with a true No. 1 option ahead of youngsters Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards. Perhaps, Houston takes a chance on young cornerback Damon Arnette after he’s struggled in two seasons with the Raiders. It would also likely add a Day 2 pick in this deal.
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Colts provide Carson Wentz with another weapon
Wentz has found a way to resurrect his career with the Indianapolis Colts following an off-season trade from Philadelphia. Playing under former Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich, the Pro Bowler has thrown 11 touchdowns against one interception. He also has Indy on a streak in which it has won three of four following an 0-3 start to the season.
It’s now time for Chris Ballard to double down on the trade market and find the quarterback more weapons behind Michael Pittman Jr. Veteran T.Y. Hilton is a shell of his former self and remains injury plagued. Acquiring Cooks for a couple Day 2 picks and a young player could very well be in the cards here.
Dallas Cowboys go for the gauntlet, add another wide receiver
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones just recently indicated that the surprising 5-1 team might very well be active during the NFL trade deadline. While most of the focus has to be on defense, why not add to an area that is already strong? The likes of CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper have been tremendous for Dak Prescott. Adding Cooks to the mix would truly make this an elite passing game.
Now, how might Dallas navigate through the salary cap to add Brandin Cooks? It would likely take a couple restructured contracts to get this done. Meanwhile, the Cowboys could pony up impending free agent receiver Michael Gallup and a second-round pick to get this done. It almost makes too much sense.