Cowboys Rumors: Dallas talking No. 1 WR trade ahead of draft

**UPDATE: After this article was published, Brandin Cooks signed a two-year extension with the Houston Texans**

The Dallas Cowboys know they have voids to fill at both WR1 and arguably WR3. With the loss of both Amari Cooper and Cedrick Wilson, the only currently healthy player left with starting ability is CeeDee Lamb. As it stands, Michael Gallup will be out for at least one game to start the season, which leaves a bunch of depth-level players in James Washington, Noah Brown, and Simi Fehoko. While quarterback Dak Prescott seems to have full faith in Lamb becoming “the main guy,” it’s hard to argue that he’s a true WR1.

Although both Stephen and Jerry Jones expressed that they are putting a heavy emphasis on the 2022 NFL Draft, it seems like the front office may be trying to solidify some wide receiver talent ahead of the draft. Earlier this week, the Cowboys were reportedly listed as one of the teams interested in former Dolphins wide receiver DeVante Parker before he headed to the New England Patriots in a trade.

Now, the Cowboys are said to be in conversation with another potential WR1. This time, it’s Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Allegedly, the Cowboys, Packers, and Jets have all called Houston to talk about Cooks. Jordan Schultz later tweeted that the Eagles and Raiders are interested as well. Securing veteran wide receiver talent ahead of the draft would certainly be helpful for Dallas. The team has several other positional needs to fill at the end of the month, especially in the offensive line.

Cooks has had continued success in his time in the NFL. He’s played with four teams over eight seasons and has had 1,000+ yard seasons in six of those years.

Cooks will turn 29 years old this season, but his age didn’t seem to stop him last year. In 2021, he had 1,037 yards, 11.5 yards per reception, and six touchdowns on a brutally bad Texans team. The Oregon State product was a former first-round pick by the New Orleans Saints. He started in 15 games in 2020 and 16 games in 2021 which proves durability that the Cowboys could certainly use.

Under his current contract, Cooks is set to make $12.5 million for 2022, but the deal voids after next season making him an unrestricted free agent in 2023. The latest reports say that the Texans allegedly want a second-round pick in return for the verteran receiver. Given the frugality of the front office lately, it’s unlikely Dallas is willing to give up that pick in exchange for the wide receiver.

At the end of the day, the WR Trio of 2021 is currently broken. It’s missing a piece and one piece is injured. Will the Cowboys actually be able to secure veteran depth before the draft, or will they be stuck trying to fill every need in the draft?