Cowboys acquire WR Brandin Cooks from Texans, aiming to bolster offense for Super Bowl push

The Dallas Cowboys have traded for wide receiver Brandin Cooks, seeking to bolster an offense that has struggled in recent years.

Why it matters: This acquisition marks a significant move for the Cowboys as they aim to revitalize their receiving corps and improve upon a disappointing 2025 season, where they finished with a record of 7-9-1.

Cooks, known for his speed and route-running ability, caught 57 passes for 699 yards and three touchdowns during his last season with the Houston Texans. His experience and skill set can complement established talents like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, providing a dynamic element to the offense.

What’s new: The Cowboys have sent a 2023 fifth-round pick and a 2024 sixth-round pick to Houston in exchange for Cooks.

• This trade not only provides a seasoned receiver but also reflects the Cowboys' intention to enhance their offensive strategy ahead of the upcoming draft.
• With two first-round picks available, the Cowboys are well-positioned to further develop their roster.

Between the lines: Jerry Jones, the team's owner and general manager, has made it clear that he is not content with merely reaching the playoffs.

• "I really can't accept just the thought of winning one Super Bowl and then what? I've got more time on my clock than that in my mind," Jones stated, emphasizing his desire to build a championship-caliber team.

Yes, but: While adding Cooks is a step in the right direction, the Cowboys' defense remains a concern, having ranked near the bottom of the league in yards and points allowed last season.

• New defensive coordinator Christian Parker will need to implement strategies that can quickly turn around a struggling unit if the Cowboys aim for a deeper playoff run.

By the numbers: The Cowboys’ current salary cap stands at $301.2 million, with plans to create $66 million in cap space through contract restructuring.

• This financial flexibility could provide additional opportunities to strengthen both the offense and defense through free agency.

What’s next: As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on how the Cowboys leverage their draft capital and salary cap space to continue improving the roster.

• Expect significant moves from Jerry Jones, who hinted at increased spending in free agency: "I would bet that we will spend more money in free agency than we have."

The bottom line: The trade for Brandin Cooks signifies the Cowboys’ commitment to building a competitive roster capable of challenging for a Super Bowl, while addressing both offensive and defensive shortcomings in the process.