NFL teams inquiring on Texans WR Brandin Cooks ahead of trade deadline
According to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Houston Texans receiver Brandin Cooks has garnered interest from several teams.
Cooks is among several elite wide receivers that may be moved ahead of the November 1st trade deadline. This season, Cooks is the Texans second-leading receiver behind teammate Nico Collins.
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For most of his career, Cooks has been considered a top-tier deep threat. He has spent time with the New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, and Los Angeles Rams over the last decade.
Now 29 years old, Cooks is a veteran at the position and would be a nice addition for any team looking to add a speedy pass-catcher to their offensive repertoire.
The Texans are in no position to horde veteran talent at this juncture. Houston sits at 1-3-1 and the record is reflective of a team that has next to no shot to compete at a high level in 2022. They would be wise to deal for as many draft picks as possible for next season's impending rebuild and focus their efforts on developing some of the younger talents on their roster.
His cap number would be the only drawback to any potential trade, as the team would eat a significant amount of dead money. This is due to the contract bonuses that were awarded to him at signing.
The number is likely to exceed the $5 million mark, though with some crafty negotiation they might be able to get his suitor to take on some of the cost for decreased compensation.
While fans would hate to see Cooks leave Houston in the midst of serious struggles this season, surely his contributions would be better utilized elsewhere.
As one of football's most exciting wideouts, Cooks has the potential to be a key part of the offense of a legitimate contender and may net the team valuable assets that could help them for years to come.