5 bold 2023 offseason predictions for the Cowboys

3. Brandin Cooks deal finally goes through

Leading up to the trade deadline this past season, the Cowboys were in serious discussions with the Houston Texans to add Brandin Cooks. In the end, Dallas was unwilling to pay the price and they decided to chase Odell Beckham, Jr. — until they realized he wasn’t ready to return.

They were able to land T.Y. Hilton, which was a good move considering how late in the season he was added. Hilton also added a huge spark, including a 52-yard reception on third-and-30 to help Dallas beat the Eagles in Week 16.

As good as that play was, Hilton is 33 years old and will turn 34 in November. It’s also been a few years since he was the player we remember him being in his prime. For that reason, Dallas needs to look elsewhere and with needs all over the roster, they don’t want to have their hand forced in the draft.

That’s why they finally find a way to pull off the trade for Cooks who would be an excellent No. 2 wideout across from CeeDee Lamb.

Cooks has been a journeyman for much of his career, playing for four teams already. What’s impressive though, is that he’s had a 1,000-yard season for each of them. In all, he has 630 catches for 8,616 yards and 49 touchdowns.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1345872696161128448?s=20&t=K0CdNJABbBSLeWx6D99cqA

He does turn 30 this season, so he won’t be a long-term answer but he can buy them some time to see if they can develop Jalen Tolbert or have to go back to the drawing board.