There's Still a Chance Brandin Cooks Could Join the Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys were in deep talks with the Houston Texans to gain WR Brandin Cooks. In fact, Cooks loves the idea of traveling four hours up Hwy 45 and playing with QB Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense. Why wouldn't he? The Texans (1-6-1) are lead by Davis Mills and the worst-ranked offense in […]
The Dallas Cowboys were in deep talks with the Houston Texans to gain WR Brandin Cooks. In fact, Cooks loves the idea of traveling four hours up Hwy 45 and playing with QB Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense.
Why wouldn't he? The Texans (1-6-1) are lead by Davis Mills and the worst-ranked offense in the league. Averaging just over 200 passing yards per game.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys offense is getting better each week with the return of Prescott to the lineup. Elevating the offense to a similar fashion to what it was in 2021.
Despite taking calls from Dallas, and even the LA Rams, a trade was unable to get finalized. A big reason being Cooks's contract.
Despite Cooks returning to practice and Houston seemingly unwilling to let him go, we've heard the same thing before.
Turn the clocks back a year. WR Odell Beckham Jr wanted out of Cleveland, but the Browns weren't willing to trade him.
Instead what followed was a barrage of shirts reading Free Odell and an Instagram video from his dad pointing out how often then QB Baker Mayfield was missing OBJ in games.
What transpired is the Browns agreed to a deal. They waived him and agreed to a settlement that paid Beckham $4.25 million of his then remaining salary by the Rams, freeing up $3 million in cap space for Cleveland.
A similar deal can be done with Cooks. Preferably with less drama. Cooks is signed through 2024, but has an 'out' in his deal after the 2023 season. Which would theoretically save the Dallas Cowboys $16.5 million, but would owe him $18 million guaranteed for the entirety of 2023.
Another option would be if Cooks is set on being released and his contract becomes null and void if he were to commit what's called a 'default'.
Meaning if Cooks "without prior written consent” of the head coach or general manager doesn't practice for injury, illness, etc. related reasons, he could be released of his deal. Without guarantees.
Financially, if either option were to happen, someone would have to eat the money lost. In the Dallas Cowboys case, they can obtain a lower cost to take his contract based on a potential agreement between Cooks and Houston once waived.
Depending on how much the Cowboys would be willing to bring Cooks in for, option two may be harder to take if Cooks's asking price is not only higher than what Dallas will pay, but higher than what they would have owed him for the season had a settlement been agreed upon.
In either case, keep a close eye on Houston. If Brandin Cooks is dead set on moving on, this is far from over.
Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
