Brandin Cooks has been traded traded more than the login credentials to a streaming service.
The former 2014 first-round receiver has played for the New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, and the Houston Texans since 2016. Teams have paid a premium for his services, and he has delivered. However, the 27-year-old is going to put his foot down.
“As far as the team, they could trade me for draft capital, I’d caution them to think twice because quite frankly I’m not going to accept any more trades,” Cooks said. “For me, if you want me off your team, you’re just going to have to let me walk and choose my destination. For me, I’ve got a newborn son at home and he’s looking for someone to set an example, so, I think it’s me starting to stand firm when it comes to my career.”
Cooks has caught 70 catches for 984 yards and four touchdowns. Unless he gets completely shutout against the Tennessee Titans in Week 17, he will earn the fifth 1,000-yard receiving campaign in his seven seasons in the NFL.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson is another elite signal caller that Cooks has had the luxury to play with. However, Houston is lacking their first and second round picks in the 2021 NFL Draft and could be looking to scrap the roster for draft capital. Cooks fits the bill given there are no more guarantees on his contract.
“When it comes to playing here and playing with Deshaun, I would love to continue that growth but that’s out of my hands,” said Cooks. “Those are decisions that I don’t make, and would hope the team sees the growth that we’ve been having and continue to show that commitment and grow over the years.”
The Texans’ offseason situation with a new coach and general manager incoming doesn’t give Cooks any anxiety.
“For me, as a guy who’s been traded multiple times for first-round picks and produced at a high level, I don’t think about that,” Cooks said. “I understand that we’re in a unique situation. For me, Four [Watson] is a special player and I would continue to love to grow with him.”