The Cleveland Browns are in need of assistance in the wide receiver department for the upcoming 2024 season, but their limited salary cap situation necessitates seeking a cost-effective yet dependable option. In light of this, the Browns may want to explore the possibility of acquiring Brandin Cooks from the Dallas Cowboys. Despite Cooks experiencing a decline in receiving yards in 2023, a reunion with former teammate Deshaun Watson, who is anticipated to return to full health next season, could prove beneficial for both players.
Brandin Cooks’ cap hit for the 2024 season with the Browns stands at $10 million, which is comparatively cheaper than Amari Cooper, another potential trade option for the team. Additionally, providing Watson with a familiar target like Cooks could potentially enhance the Browns’ offensive performance. Acquiring Cooks from the Cowboys may not require an exorbitant asking price, considering Dallas could also benefit from saving valuable cap space by parting ways with him.
The Cowboys previously acquired Cooks in the past offseason for a 2023 fifth-round pick and a 2024 sixth-round pick, suggesting that their trade demands may not be excessively high. As proposed by Bleacher Report’s NFL scouting department, the Browns could potentially secure Cooks by offering two fifth-round picks in 2024 and 2025.
This trade proposal aligns with the interests of both teams. The Cowboys could save $4 million against the cap by trading Cooks, and considering they acquired him for minimal draft capital, it presents a favorable opportunity for them. Moreover, Cooks’ previous successful collaboration with Watson in Houston underscores the potential benefits for the Browns, especially in light of their investment in Watson.
Cooks and Watson previously played together during the 2020 season with the Houston Texans, where Cooks demonstrated impressive performance with 81 receptions for 1,150 yards and six touchdowns, marking his highest reception yards in the last five years. Furthermore, Cooks showcased his red-zone prowess with eight receiving touchdowns during his tenure with the Cowboys, which could greatly benefit a Browns team with a below-average passing offense.
Ultimately, whether the Browns proceed with a trade for Cooks remains uncertain. While the potential benefits of such a move are evident, it ultimately hinges on the team’s strategic decisions as they navigate their roster needs and salary cap constraints in the offseason.
