The NFL trade deadline is right around the corner, which means that talented veterans on losing teams like Brandin Cooks are about to find a new NFL home. Cooks might not be the player he once was, but the 29-year-old speedster is still a solid starter and would be a great fit on any offense needing an additional playmaker.
Top Five Brandin Cooks Trade Destinations, Ranked
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Editor’s Note: the Chiefs traded for Kadarius Toney following this publishing, which all-but eliminates the possibility of a Cooks trade.
The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the most dangerous offenses in the league, but they have yet to find a true replacement for Tyreek Hill. Marquez Valdes-Scantling was supposed to be the new speed threat in this offense, but the former Green Bay Packer has disappointed through seven weeks of action. Juju Smith-Schuster has gotten hot in recent weeks, but he doesn’t do much to stretch the field. Cooks isn’t nearly as dangerous as Hill, but he’s a clear upgrade on Valdes-Scantling that should only make one of the NFL’s most unstoppable offenses that much more lethal.
2. Green Bay Packers
Statistically speaking, Aaron Rodgers is having a rough year, but it’s hard to blame the four-time NFL MVP for underperforming. Without Davante Adams, Rodgers has no proven weapons outside of Allen Lazard, and he’s better off as a depth piece. Cooks would easily be the most talented pass-catcher on the team, and his presence could be enough to bring the Packers back into the NFC North race.
Brandin Cooks turns on the BURNERS for his SECOND touchdown on the day 💨#WeAreTexans
pic.twitter.com/pkR0wKj2x8— TWSN (@TWSN___) December 19, 2021
3. Baltimore Ravens
For the second straight year, the Baltimore Ravens just cannot stay healthy. After trading Marquise Brown to the Arizona Cardinals, the Ravens needed Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman to step up as the focal points in the passing game. Bateman has battled injury for the majority of the season, and now that he’s back on the field, Andrews is hurt. The Ravens desperately need another proven option in this passing attack, and Cooks’ deep speed is a perfect match for Lamar Jackson’s vertical tendencies.
4. Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert throws one of the most beautiful deep balls in the league, so it’s about time the Chargers got someone that can make the most of that ability. Mike Williams suffered a high-ankle sprain and is out for roughly a month, meaning that the Chargers do not have any proven receivers aside from the oft-injured Keenan Allen. Any team that shares a division with the Chiefs needs to be able to go blow-for-blow in a shootout, and Cooks would be the perfect weapon for those showdowns.
5. New York Giants
Currently sitting at 6-1, the New York Giants are the biggest surprise of the young season. First-year head coach Brian Daboll has finally breathed some life into the franchise, and Daniel Jones is in the midst of the best season of his career. One thing they lack, however, is healthy bodies on the perimeter. Just about every wide receiver on the depth chart is battling some type of ailment, so if the Giants want to keep up with the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles, they’ll need to get someone that can catch the ball and do something with it.
