Could Texans Robert Woods Signing Impact Brandin Cooks FA Decision?

Brandin Cooks expressed his pleasure when the Houston Texans signed Robert Woods in free agency. But is Woods' acquisition enough to keep Cooks around in Houston?

HOUSTON — Brandin Cooks has not shied away from expressing his feelings about the Houston Texans. 

He voiced his frustration on social media after the Texans failed to move him at the trade deadline in November. And at the end of the 2022 campaign, Cooks revealed he had no interest in being a part of the Texans' rebuild.

There is a chance the Texans will grant Cooks his trade wishes. But the free agency signing of Robert Woods may be the start of Cooks mending his relationship with the franchise. 

While addressing Woods as his "brother," Cooks was thrilled to see the Texans land his former teammate from the Los Angeles Rams. 

Love to see that for my brother @robertwoods he will be great. Go crazy brother 🏹

— Brandin Cooks (@brandincooks) March 11, 2023

Cooks and Woods played two seasons together with the Rams. Both players played a major role in helping Los Angeles reach the Super Bowl during the 2018 season. They each recorded over 1,000 receiving yards and a combined 11 touchdowns. 

The Rams averaged 32.9 points during the regular season en route to a 13-3 record. Woods led the team in receiving yards after he caught 86 balls for 1,219 yards, while Cooks finished with 1,204 receiving yards on 80 catches.

Coach DeMeco Ryans revealed at the NFL Scouting Combine that he has spoken to Cooks since his hiring and would like to work with him.

But general manager Nick Caserio mentioned that the Texans will do what's best for the organization when determining whether or not to move on from the disgruntled receiver.

"I’d say we’re in the team-building process here," Caserio said. "Every player, every individual situation we’ll look at it. Then, ultimately we’ll do what feels best for the team and the organization moving forward."

Cooks has been the Texans' top receiver since the Los Angeles Rams traded him to Houston in 2020. He has appeared in 44 games since joining the Texans. And over the last three seasons, Cooks has recorded 2,886 yards on 238 catches and 15 touchdowns with Houston.

He has reached the 1,000-yard receiving mark in two of his first three seasons with the Texans. 

The Rams, Dallas Cowboys and Minnesota Vikings were all rumored to be in consideration to land Cooks in November.

"I’m not going into this offseason thinking I want to be a part of a rebuild," Cooks said. "That’s why I trust my camp and my representation to be able to get a map from here to there and see what that looks like to be a part of something that has a trusted plan."

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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