Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks (13) is tackled by Tennessee Titans cornerback Janoris Jenkins (20) in the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Analyst says Packers should trade for ‘instant impact’ WR Brandin Cooks

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 10/29/22

It’s no secret that Green Back Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is having an off-season.

Averaging 40 yards passing and a half-touchdown per game less than his career average, Rodgers is feeling the effects of life without Davante Adams. This is why The Athletic’s Mike Jones recently suggested the Packers should acquire Houston Texans wideout Brandin Cooks ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.

“Rodgers badly needs a veteran wide receiver who understands the concepts of the offense and where he is expected to be at all times,” Jones recently wrote. “Cooks — stranded in Houston, where the Texans will likely vie for the top pick of the draft — can help. He played in the same offense for Packers coach Matt LaFleur’s good buddy Sean McVay while a member of the Rams in 2018 and 2019 (LaFleur served as the Rams’ offensive coordinator in 2017).

“At 29, Cooks still has plenty left in the tank while coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. In all, Cooks has topped the 1,000-yard mark in six of the last seven seasons during stops in New Orleans, New England, L.A. and Houston. While some wide receivers struggle to find comfort with a new team midseason, Cooks would have a good chance of making a near-instant impact."

Multiple teams in the mix for #Texans’ WR Brandin Cooks: #Rams, #Vikings, #Giants and the #Packers - as a dark horse - have reached out to Houston, sources tell @theScore.

Cooks, 29, has recorded six 1k-seasons with 49 TDs. I’m told if moved, he only wants to go to a contender.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 29, 2022

Without Adams, Rodgers hasn’t thrown for more than 255 yards or two touchdowns in any game this year. Through seven games, Green Bay has had just one 100-yard receiver.

Cooks has 28 receptions on 47 targets for 281 yards and a touchdown in six games this season. He had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons his first two years in Houston and he had four straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Saints from 2015-2018.

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