The Cleveland Browns could really use some help in the wide receiver department in 2024, but given their limited salary cap situation, they need cheaper but more reliable options.
With all that in mind, the Browns could consider trading Brandin Cooks from the Dallas Cowboys.
Cooks’ receiving numbers will dip again in 2023, but he could benefit from being reunited with his former quarterback in Deshaun Watson, who is expected to return to full health next season.
For the Browns, Cooks’ cap hit in 2024 is just $10 million. He’s much cheaper than Amari Cooper, who the team could trade to free up cap space.
It goes without saying that giving Watson a familiar weapon will at least improve his offensive capabilities.
The Cleveland Browns traded Brandin Cooks to the Dallas Cowboys.Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Brandin Cooks, Deshaun WatsonJanuary 7, 2024;
Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders safety Jartavious Martin (20) picks off a pass from Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (3) during the first half at FedExField.
Mandatory credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY SportsSo how do the Browns get Cook from the Cowboys? good. Dallas’ asking price shouldn’t be too high.
Because moving it would save valuable space.The Cowboys also traded a 2023 fifth-round pick and a 2024 sixth-round pick for Cook this past offseason.
Bleacher Report’s NFL scouting department offered the Browns two fifth-round picks in 2024 and 2025 to secure the 30-year-old.
Here’s what BR wrote about the proposed deal and what it could mean for both sides.
As Knox mentioned about the Cowboys, Brandin Cooks could be one of the top trade candidates.
They will save $4 million by trading the veteran and paid him the minimum draft value this offseason.
Some of Cooks’ best performances in Houston came in 2020 when he allowed Deshaun Watson to throw the football.
Now the Browns are looking to see if Watson is worth the trade package and compensation they offered him.
If the combination of the two is sufficient, this should be considered.
If the Browns part ways with wide receiver Amari Cooper to reduce salary cap pressure, they should consider Brandin Cooks as a potential replacement.
Of course, it’s unclear if the Browns have any interest in Cooks, but it’s something to keep an eye on as the offseason officially begins.
Deshaun Watson Stats by Brandin CooksCleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Brandin Cooks, Deshaun WatsonNovember 19, 2023;
Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (left) smiles before the game between the Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Mandatory credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY SportsCooks and Watson played together for one season with the Houston Texans in 2020.
The veteran wide receiver had a solid year, recording 81 receptions for 1,150 yards and six touchdowns.
Cooks had eight receptions last season with the Cowboys, but those are actually his most receiving yards in five years.
Cooks has proven to be a red-zone threat for the Cowboys, which could help a Browns team with below-average pass discipline.
However, it remains to be seen if the Browns will pull the trigger on a trade.
Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Brandin Cooks, Deshaun WatsonDecember 30, 2023;
Arlington, Texas, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Zemere Jefferson (39) tackles Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (3) during the second half at AT&T Stadium.
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