Over the course of his career, Brandin Cooks has been one of the NFL’s most consistent wide receivers. He just hasn’t consistently done it in the same place.
Cooks, who spent the 2017 season with the New England Patriots, was traded to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason, marking his fifth different team as he heads into his 10th NFL season. During an appearance on NFL Network, the 29-year-old said that one of his goals this season is to do something he’s done wherever he’s played in the NFL: go over 1,000 yards receiving.
“It’s time to get back,” Cooks said. “But a lot has to come with that. … We’ve got some special guys throughout the offense, all the offensive weapons we have, I’m just going to do my best to the best of my ability, and when we look up at the end of the season, we’ll see where we’re at.”
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Cooks, a first-round pick in 2014 has gone over 1,000 yards in six of his nine seasons so far as a pro. He’s managed to hit that threshold with each team he’s played with so far: the Saints, Patriots, Rams and Texans.
However, he fell short of that mark last year in Houston, catching 57 passes for 699 yards over 13 games in what amounted to a down season for him.
NFL Network host and former Pro Bowler Maurice Jones-Drew asked Cooks about what he believes his fantasy value is, noting that the veteran receiver is typically a safe pick every year. Cooks said that he aims to get back on track.
“No doubt. It’s one of those years that I just feel it,” he said. “To be able to get in with my team where I fit in, but the value that I have, no doubt you’re supposed to pick me. You won’t regret it.”
Cooks had an impact year during his lone season in New England. The Patriots acquired Cooks from the Saints in exchange for a first-round pick ahead of the 2017 season. With Julian Edelman missing that year due to injury, Cooks was Tom Brady’s top wide receiver during the regular season, posting 1,082 yards on 65 catches.
It was a short stint in New England for Cooks, who was traded that offseason to the Rams in exchange for a first-round pick.
As for the 2023 season, it’s not all about numbers for Cooks. The veteran receiver stressed that, beyond just catching passes, he’s hoping to become a leader on his new team as part of what he calls a group of “special receivers.”
“Going into year 10, being able to have special receivers around me like (CeeDee Lamb), (Michael Gallup) and (Jalen Tolbert), not only from a production role that I’m expected, but also from a role to be able to lead,” Cooks said. “So that’s what I’m looking to bring. Obviously, I just want to get back to winning and however, that looks I’m willing to do.”
Cooks’ deal was restructured after his trade to Dallas, with the Texans reportedly agreeing to pay $6 million of his contract. He’s reportedly set to play under what amounts to a two-year deal worth $20 million.
