Will the Cowboys get a second chance to acquire Brandin Cooks?

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Cooks has missed practice and will sit out against the Eagles for personal reasons. Schefter pointed out, "he had hoped to be traded to a playoff contender." 

A player protesting to get their way isn't uncommon. Last year, Odell Beckham Jr. was in a similar situation. He negotiated a release with the Browns and signed with the Rams. 

Cooks could try to negotiate his release as well. The one obstacle is his salary, which is $18 million guaranteed. Per NBC Sports' Mike Florio, if the Texans release him, they have to pay the remainder of his contract.  

Even if Cooks agrees to a pay cut, the premise is shaky. Houston's salary cap is below the league average. Paying for a player, who's no longer on the team, is nonsensical.

However, a clause in Cooks' contract could eliminate his salary. Florio obtained a copy of the contract. According to Florio, it states the salary disappears when he commits a "default."

A default occurs when a player, without "the prior written consent" of their head coach or general manager, misses games and practices for reasons that are not football-related injuries or illness.

"The Texans could wipe his guarantee salary off the books - and then cut him," Florio writes.

The Cowboys could swoop in and sign Cooks as a free agent. He would be a great addition. In 2022, he has 354 receiving yards on 32 receptions. Last season, he had a career-high 90 receptions.