Ex Jets GM Proposes Trade for Cowboys Receiver

With the New York Jets looking for receiver help this offseason, former general manager Mike Tannenbaum is suggesting a trade for the Dallas Cowboys' Brandin Cooks.

Despite last offseason's trade for multi-time MVP-winning quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets still have work to do in order to end their 55-year Super Bowl drought. 

Aside from the obvious need upfront on the offensive line, receiver looks like another potential area of improvement, with former Jets general manager and now-turned ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum proposing a trade they could make. 

During his recent appearance on ESPN's "Get Up," Tannenbaum developed an interesting trade proposal that'd see the Jets land veteran receiver Brandin Cooks from the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for inside linebacker C.J. Mosley.

“This really works well for both teams,” Tannenbaum said. “Look, the Jets need outside speed, outside of Garrett Wilson with Aaron Rodgers coming back. They have depth in their front seven. The Cowboys desperately need size and speed at middle linebacker. …This is really going to help both teams.”

Dallas Cowboys receiver Brandin Cooks (left) and New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley (right) / USA Today Network

Tannenbaum is correct in his evaluation of the Jets' need for another option out-wide to pair with the second-year sensation, Garrett Wilson, is Cooks the right move? 

Yes, he'd certainly bring the outside speed that'd become another weapon for Rodgers to utilize. Still, as Tannenbaum's fellow analyst Bart Scott countered, the Jets would be giving up one of their captains and leading tackler, Mosley, to do so.

Even at the age of 31-year-old, Mosley still managed to produce at the second level of the Jets' defense, totaling 151 tackles, with five for a loss, a half sack, two forced fumbles, and one interception. Not only did Mosley's success show up on the stat sheet, but Pro Football Focus graded him as the No. 6 best linebacker in the league. 

While he is heading into the final season of his five-year, $85 million contract, giving him up for Cooks, who is also on an expiring contract heading into next season, could be perceived as underwhelming. 

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After being traded to Dallas last offseason to give quarterback Dak Prescott another weapon outside of CeeDee Lamb, he didn't put up quite the numbers that many expected. After playing in 16 games, Cooks totaled just 657 yards and eight touchdowns on 54 receptions for the Cowboys. 

It seems more likely that Dallas would be willing to part with the 27-year-old Michael Gallup, who has become more of a third option after signing his five-year, $57 million contract extension and being two years removed from his torn ACL.