Cowboys News: Brandin Cooks sends flattering message to CeeDee Lamb, Stephon Gilmore

There’s a debate going around among Dallas Cowboys talking heads about whether Brandin Cooks or Stephon Gilmore will be the bigger acquisition. What ultimately matters is how both players mesh in a new system and with new teammates, and how they contribute to winning.

Speaking of which, it’ll be interesting to see how CeeDee Lamb adjusts to working alongside a proven receiver. That’s no shot at Michael Gallup, but it goes without saying Cooks is much more accomplished than the five-year pro.

While Cooks isn’t a prototypical No. 1 receiver, he’s posted 1,000 receiving yards six times in nine seasons. He has ample experience operating as a team’s top target, but is just as comfortable sharing the field with another go-to weapon.

Cooper Kupp, Michael Thomas, Robert Woods and Rob Gronkowski are just some of the studs Cooks has competed for targets with.

Appearing on Adam Schefter’s podcast, Cooks made it clear to listeners that Lamb is the guy in the Cowboys’ offense. He’s just here to help.

Cowboys’ Brandin Cooks lauds CeeDee Lamb as WR1, excited to reunite with Stephon Gilmore.

"“CeeDee, you’re talking about a guy that’s been electric since the moment he stepped into this league but you at last year what he did to really just go into that mode of a true No. 1 receiver,” Cooks told Schefter. “I’ve got a lot of respect for his game from afar and I hit him up and was like, ‘Look, I’m coming to just help.’ Like, there’s no ego. And same thing with Michael Gallup. And then you talk about Dak, his competitive nature, the way that he goes about his work, you hear about it from teammates or ex-teammates, the way that he carries himself, I’m truly excited to be able to play with a guy that who is hungry to get better.”"

If that doesn’t prove Cooks is the perfect fit — both on the field and in the locker room — then nothing will. Cooks has been traded four times in his career, and the Cowboys mark his fifth team. He’s been around the block and understands he was added to help Dallas’ offense; not take the shine away from Lamb.

Lamb logged 156 targets last season (fourth-most of any WR). If he sees fewer looks in 2023 because Cooks is making big plays, he’ll be just fine with it. The same goes for Cooks, who, as we mentioned earlier, is well-adjusted to sharing the spotlight with another high-profile pass-catcher.