The most recent move the Dallas Cowboys are rumored to be making to improve the wide receiver group involves a trade with the Cleveland Browns. Michael Gallup seems to be the most likely to go, although wide receiver Brandin Cooks has also been mentioned as a potential departure.
Christopher Knox of Bleacher Report examined the possibility of a Cooks trade with Cleveland on March 4. Even though Cowboys supporters are wary of sending a wide receiver to the Browns too soon (Amari Cooper, for example), it is still something to think about.
Because of his past experience playing with Deshaun Watson and his continued field-stretching speed, Knox said, Cooks would be a reasonable target for the Browns. “The two played together for the Houston Texans during the 2020 season.” That season, Cooks amassed 1,150 yards and six touchdowns, while Watson was selected to his final Pro Bowl.
The Watson connection makes perfect sense. Knox thinks trading Cooks to the Cowboys for a fifth-round choice in the 2024 NFL draft may be worthwhile. The window to cash in on the veteran wide receiver is shrinking after a middling season and a hefty paycheck.
Cooks, Brandin, to the Browns?
The intention when Dallas acquired Cooks in the offseason of last year was to revive him following his 2022 downturn. Even though Cooks was getting close to turning thirty, his steady output suggested growth rather than stagnation.
Rather, Cooks and Dallas had a mixed experience. Cooks’ receiving yardage total was 657, which was smaller than his 2022 campaign. However, he did manage to score eight touchdowns, which is the most in a single season since 2016.
Pro Football Reference lists Cooks as having six seasons with 1000 yards or more. Although it seems like his prospects of making it to the seventh are fading, a trade to the Browns might be in everyone’s best interests.
Dallas would have $8 million more in cap room if Cooks were traded.The Browns are attempting to capitalize on their postseason window, and Cooks is connected to Watson as previously indicated. Ultimately, the receiver himself can carry on serving as a team’s main weapon in a competitive environment.
But in 2024, Dallas will also require WR support. Considering who else might depart the Cowboys’ camp, letting Cooks walk might have been a foolish decision.
The Cowboys might bench Michael Gallup as a two-time All-Pro.
Although Cooks didn’t quite meet expectations, it’s reasonable to claim that he is in a higher position than Michael Gallup. Gallup, who is now playing on a five-year, $57.5 million contract, has not reached the 500-yard mark in any of his previous three seasons.
The Cowboys can now release him with little risk of injury. For this reason, Tim Hamm of Sports Illustrated proposed that the Cowboys sign wide receiver Michael Thomas of the New Orleans Saints as a potential successor to Gallup.
Dallas will immediately save up $9.5 million in 2024 cap space by letting go of Gallup. Thomas may most likely be signed for a wage that is less than that annually. However, Thomas has declined recently, much like Cooks, so he isn’t a reliable choice.
As an alternative, the Cowboys might combine their resources to sign a larger free agent, such as wide receiver Calvin Ridley of the Jacksonville Jaguars. This offseason, cutting Cooks and Gallup will free up at least $17.5 million, which can be used to acquire a big wide receiver.
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