Posted on Jan 07

Cowboys trade for WR Cooks from Texans, sending 2023 fifth, 2024 sixth-round picks

Posted Jan 7, 2026

The Dallas Cowboys have acquired wide receiver Brandin Cooks from the Houston Texans in a strategic move aimed at bolstering their offense.

Why it matters: This trade signifies the Cowboys' commitment to enhancing their receiving corps and addressing recent shortcomings on offense, particularly following a disappointing 2023 season that saw them miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

The Cowboys ranked seventh in points per game (26.2) and second in total yards but struggled with consistency.
Cooks adds depth to a talented group that includes CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, both of whom surpassed 1,000 receiving yards last season.

What’s new: In exchange for Cooks, the Texans will receive a 2023 fifth-round pick and a 2024 sixth-round pick, indicating a relatively low-cost acquisition for the Cowboys, who are looking to maximize their talent without breaking the bank.

Cooks caught 57 passes for 699 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games last season, demonstrating his ability to contribute even amidst a rebuilding phase in Houston.
His experience and speed will complement Dak Prescott's vertical passing game, which is crucial for an offense that seeks to stretch defenses horizontally.

Yes, but: While the addition of Cooks is promising, questions remain regarding the Cowboys' overall consistency and effectiveness, especially after allowing a franchise-record 511 points defensively last season.

The Cowboys need to balance their offensive upgrades with improvements on the defensive side of the ball, where they have struggled significantly.
Their inability to reach a conference title game since 1995 looms large over any new acquisitions or strategies.

What to watch: The upcoming NFL Draft will be pivotal for the Cowboys as they hold two first-round picks—including one from the Green Bay Packers—as they look to reinforce both their offensive and defensive lines.

With the potential departure of key unrestricted free agents like running back Javonte Williams and wide receiver George Pickens, the draft could be an opportunity to fill gaps in their roster.
Given Jerry Jones’ ambition to retire with the most Super Bowl wins, this offseason will be critical in shaping the team's future.

The bottom line: The trade for Brandin Cooks is a calculated risk by the Cowboys, showcasing their desire to re-enter championship contention while navigating a complex landscape of player contracts and expectations.

With Jerry Jones at the helm, the pursuit of another Super Bowl continues to drive the organization, as stated: “My goal in life is to retire as the owner that won the most Super Bowls.”
As the team works through its strategy, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring how effectively these moves translate into on-field success.

Cowboys trade for WR Cooks from Texans, sending 2023 fifth, 2024 sixth-round picks

Alex Parker

Posted Jan 7, 2026

The Dallas Cowboys have acquired wide receiver Brandin Cooks from the Houston Texans in a strategic move aimed at bolstering their offense.

The Cowboys ranked seventh in points per game (26.2) and second in total yards but struggled with consistency.

Cooks adds depth to a talented group that includes CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, both of whom surpassed 1,000 receiving yards last season.

Cooks caught 57 passes for 699 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games last season, demonstrating his ability to contribute even amidst a rebuilding phase in Houston.

His experience and speed will complement Dak Prescott's vertical passing game, which is crucial for an offense that seeks to stretch defenses horizontally.

The Cowboys need to balance their offensive upgrades with improvements on the defensive side of the ball, where they have struggled significantly.

Their inability to reach a conference title game since 1995 looms large over any new acquisitions or strategies.

With the potential departure of key unrestricted free agents like running back Javonte Williams and wide receiver George Pickens, the draft could be an opportunity to fill gaps in their roster.

Given Jerry Jones’ ambition to retire with the most Super Bowl wins, this offseason will be critical in shaping the team's future.

With Jerry Jones at the helm, the pursuit of another Super Bowl continues to drive the organization, as stated: “My goal in life is to retire as the owner that won the most Super Bowls.”

As the team works through its strategy, fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring how effectively these moves translate into on-field success.