Cowboys enhance WR corps with Cooks

The Cowboys are getting WR Brandin Cooks from the Texans for a fifth-round pick in 2023 and a sixth-rounder in 2024, according to multiple reports. Dallas likely views Cooks as the new No. 2 WR, ahead of Michael Gallup. We wouldn't bet on him beating CeeDee Lamb in target share. Cooks is coming off a disappointing 2022 that saw his receptions per game, yards per game and catch rate fall significantly vs. his previous two Houston campaigns. He managed just a WR40 finish in PPR points per game. But we're not betting that the 29-year-old (until Sept. 25) is over the hill just yet. If the team change doesn't boost Cooks' ADP too much vs. his current low-WR4 position, he's a solid-to-good option for your best ball drafts. Cooks' arrival also helps QB Dak Prescott, who sits low in QB1 territory in best ball ADP. As for the Houston WR corps: Try not to get too excited about anyone. The Texans signed Robert Woods to a two-year deal this offseason. Nico Collins has averaged just 2.9 receptions per game through two NFL seasons. And 2022 second-round pick John Metchie is expected to debut after missing his rookie year for leukemia treatment. The whole group should at least get a new QB next month via the NFL Draft.

According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 TV in Houston, the "standing trade request" by Texans WR Brandin Cooks "is expected to be worked on and, in all likelihood, accommodated this offseason." Such a move certainly wouldn't come as a surprise after the way this season played out between the team and the wideout. Cooks added that he, his agent and GM Nick Caserio "have a good working relationship." The Texans don't appear likely to give Cooks away for less than they believe he's worth. And he still has 2 years left on his contract. The coming season carries a particularly large dead-cap number ($34.2 million) should Cooks move on. So there remains little motivation on the team side to make a move, other than to pacify the player. It's tough to judge how much Cooks has left off this season, which has found him post a career-worst 6.8 yards per target. In addition to his conflict with team management, Cooks has dealt with injuries and poor QB play. He'll still be 29 until next September, though. And the dip in production plus uncertainty with his future should mean a low price on the dynasty trade market this offseason. We wouldn't mind taking a run at the perennially productive vet. Given his big salary and advanced age, we'd bet that a team acquiring Cooks is likely to be a contender with a quality QB. See where Cooks sits in our dynasty rankings.

Texans WRs Brandin Cooks (calf) and Chris Moore (elbow) are active for today’s game vs. the Titans. They figure to operate as Houston’s top 2 WRs in this plus matchup. See where Cooks and Moore sit in the Week 16 WR Rankings.

Texans WR Brandin Cooks (calf) is expected to play vs. the Titans today, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Cooks is listed as questionable but put in full practices on Wednesday and Thursday. We're not expecting the calf to be an issue today, but Cooks' iffy standing with the team and Houston's general ineptitude leave him as a shaky fantasy play.

Texans WRs Brandin Cooks (calf) and Nico Collins (foot) did not practice on Wednesday. If they miss this weekend's game vs. the Chiefs, WR Chris Moore will be in play as a low-end option in PPR leagues.

Texans WR Brandin Cooks (calf) did not practice on Wednesday. He's been sidelined since injuring his calf in practice last Thursday. Fantasy owners shouldn't be counting on Cooks to play vs. the Cowboys this weekend.