Deshaun Watson has left the Houston Texans in a perplexing situation from his trade request to his civil lawsuits. Eight months after signing a five-year contract extension, the Texans will likely enter the 2021 season without their franchise quarterback. And one of the players who would have to make the most significant adjustment is wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
Last season, Cooks became Watson’s top targeted receiver. The quarterback-receiver duo connected on 81 catches for 1,150 yards. Playing alongside Watson resulted in Cooks recording his fifth 1,000 receiving yards of his career, to go along with six touchdowns.
As he enters his second season with the Texans, there are three potential quarterbacks Cooks could receive passes from come Week 1 of the regular season. But adjusting to a new quarterback is nothing new for Cooks.
“For me, it doesn’t matter who is throwing me the ball,” Cooks said following organized team activities on Thursday. “I’m going to get on the same page and figure out how you like things to be done, and we are going to go out there and ball. I’ve shown that throughout my career.”
With four teams in seven years, Cooks has played alongside a variety of players under center. He began his career playing next to Drew Brees in New Orleans before catching receptions from Tom Brady in New England. Before joining the Texans last offseason, Cooks spent two seasons in Los Angeles with Jared Goff.
The one quarterback who will likely start for the Texans next season is Tyrod Taylor. He signed with the Texans on a one-year deal as a free agent, and according to head coach David Culley, Taylor has been attending OTAs.
The other possible option is rookie quarterback Davis Mills, who is leaving a great first impression on Cooks.
“The kid is smart,” Culley said. “He is picking up the offense pretty fast. The guy can sling it and he is confident. You love to see that in a young player.”