Expect Brandin Cooks' days to be numbered in Houston
General manager Nick Caserio is focused on rebuilding the Texans. That probably means veteran Brandin Cooks, Houston's best receiver, will be playing elsewhere in 2023.
Cooks wanted to be dealt before the trade deadline in November. Ultimately, no deal was reached. He missed the team’s next game against the Eagles due to personal reasons and was later stripped of his captaincy.
In January, Cooks was outspoken about not wanting to be a part of a rebuilding franchise.
During the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday, Caserio was asked about Cooks. He didn't reveal much.
“I’d say we’re kind of in the team-building process so every player, every individual situation, we’ll look at it and then ultimately we’ll do what we feel is best for the team and the organization.
But dealing Cooks makes sense. Per Sports Illustrated, Cooks drew interest from several teams at the trade deadline, including the Los Angeles Rams, New York Giants, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs and Cowboys.
Expected to select a QB in the draft, the Texans must also add to their receiving corps. Houston's passing game ranked 25th in 2022.
Cooks has spent the past three seasons in Houston. The 2022 season was statistically the worst. He totaled 57 receptions, 699 receiving yards and three TD catches.
In 2020 and 2021, he had 1,000-yard seasons, 171 receptions and 12 TD catches and was the team’s leading receiver.
The 29-year-old has played under four coaches with the Texans, winning 11 games. Despite the team's struggles, Cooks signed a two-year $39.6 million extension in April 2022.
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