One of the most prominent names on the trade market leading up to last week’s deadline was Brandin Cooks. The Texans were deep in talks with several teams regarding the veteran wideout, but no deal took shape in time for him to join a contender. 
Cooks was absent from the team during their loss to the Eagles in Week 9, but returned to their facility the following day. When speaking to the media for the first time since the deadline came and passed, the 29-year-old confirmed his frustration over the situation.
“I want to win,” he said, via KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. “That’s not the case as to what’s going on. That’s the way I expressed my emotion… Being in the league in general, when you suit up, you want to compete and win games. That’s not going on, so the frustration stems from that and a lot of things.”
Among the interested teams for Cooks were the Cowboys, who made a late push for the six-time 1,000-yard wideout. They, like all other suitors, saw Houston’s asking price (reportedly second- and fourth-round picks) as too much to overcome considering the $18MM in guaranteed money on Cooks’ deal in 2023. The lack of a trade last week was not the only sticking point for him, however.
Cooks noted changes within the organization which have taken place this year, and the resultant impact it has had on his desire to remain with the team. One of those was the parting of ways with controversial former EVP Jack Easterby, with whom Wilson notes Cooks has a close personal relationship.
“I think we were on the same page at a point in the offseason and training camp and having fun” Cooks added. “A lot of things changed, right? I don’t know everything that goes through [general manager Nick Caserio’s] head.”
With an obvious disconnect existing between Cooks and the Texans – who, at 1-6-1 are likely years away from contending – this situation will be worth watching in the offseason. For the time being, though, both parties will look to move forward with the status quo.
He knew what we were going through when he resigned. Can’t cry now. If you get traded for value then leave, if not, give up the money to go elsewhere. Or just simply STFU.
“I want to win,” No, you wanted a large paycheck and got one. He knew Watson was gone. He knew the roster was going to be stripped down. He knew it was going to be sub 500 seasons. But now he’s frustrated?
Yep. I honestly thought he signed that big contract because he was tired of moving teams. He couldn’t have expected the Texans to challenge for a playoff spot?
Exactly!
Fortunately this isn’t the NBA and teams won’t trade you just because you asked. I hope this never changes.
Not sure what he communicated to the team. But didn’t he say he wants to control his own destination and threatened to retire if the Texans traded him?
He was on the same page as Easterby, so the not winning must come as a shock.
The whole Easterby situation is fascinating to me. How can one guy be such a polarizing figure to so many while basically working behind the curtain? With public figures I get it. But this is something else.
Want a trade? Give up the $$$$ and they would of.
But that still won’t necessarily get you on a winner. I imagine a year ago he (like many other WRs) would have jumped at a chance to join the Packers…but look at the struggles they’re having now.
“Would have” not “would of”. Anyway, I “of” to go now.
This guy has lots of good numbers – but I don’t recall anyone ever saying the key to beating the XYZ’s is to shut down Brandin Cooks.