Texans Trade Rumors: Brandin Cooks Back to Patriots?

The Houston Texans may find a willing trade partner in the New England Patriots for a deal centered around wide receiver Brandin Cooks.

The Houston Texans are well aware that receiver Brandin Cooks possesses the most-coveted qualities for an NFL wide receiver: speed, sure hands and sound field awareness

While the Texans appear willing to move Cooks this offseason, they are seeking an offer of notable draft capital in return.

In fact, Pro Football Focus recently offered a projection on a potential trade between the Texans and the receiver-needy New England Patriots for Cooks‘ services — as well as some additional draft capital.

Trade compensation

: Texans send 2024 7th; acquire 2023 3rd

Contract acquired:

Two years, $35 million ($18 million total guaranteed)

Despite the guaranteed cost of his contract, the Patriots would be smart to inquire on Cooks’ availability. The wideout finished the 2022 campaign with 57 receptions for 699 yards and three touchdowns as the Texans went 3–13–1. Cooks led the team in receptions and receiving yards

While those numbers may not leap off the stat sheet, Cooks has maintained his curb appeal. The 29-year-old has been a productive receiver throughout his nine-year career, offering a solid pass-catching option for a contending team in need. 

Cooks is also under contract through the end of 2024, which is also the fourth and final year of quarterback Mac Jones’ rookie deal. Cooks' ability to add yards after the catch would make him an instant favorite of former Texans head coach Bill O’Brien, who was recently hired as New England’s offensive coordinator. 

If acquired, Cooks would begin his second tour of duty in New England. He finished his only season with the Patriots (2017) with 65 receptions for 1,082 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games and 15 starts. In addition, he rushed nine times for 40 yards. The Oregon State product finished second on the team to tight end Rob Gronkowski in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns on the season.

New England ultimately traded Cooks and a 2018 fourth-round draft selection to the Los Angeles Rams for a first-round and sixth-round pick. 

In turn, the Texans acquired Cooks from the Los Angeles Rams for a 2022 second-round pick. Throughout his three years with Houston. Cooks has amassed 2886 yards on 228 catches and 15 touchdowns. He has started all 44 games in which he has played. 

In the final analysis, New England is almost certain to be in the market for help at the receiver position in the coming weeks. They currently rank seventh among the NFL’s 32 teams for most room under the salary cap — just north of $34 million, per Patriots salary cap expert Miguel Benzan. The Pats also possess 11 selections in the upcoming NFL Draft, three of which reside in the top 100.

Conversely, the Texans are in the process of a full rebuild. With veteran wideouts Phillip Dorsett and Chris Moore headed for free agency, Houston may be best served moving Cooks for valuable Draft capital, with at least one selection in the upcoming receiver-rich 2023 NFL Draft. 

While Cooks may be a step past his prime, he is still capable of being a top-flight receiver — and the Texans would be hard-pressed to find a better trade partner than the Patriots. 

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Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL.

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