HOUSTON — With the NFL trade deadline vastly approaching, the Houston Texans could move on from several veteran players. And one trade candidate that could be on the move is wide receiver Brandin Cooks.
With the Texans sitting at 1-7 following their 38-22 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, it would make sense for both parties to move on prior to the Nov. 2 deadline. But Cooks says he is “all in on the Texans” despite their continuous losing.
“It would be pretty special to be a part of something that’s turned around,” Cooks said following the Texans’ Week 8 loss to the Rams. “How that looks, I don’t know. I’ve got to trust that.”
“My job is to come in every single day and be the best teammate that I can be. Be the best example I can be. And continue to work on my game. That’s all I know. And that’s what I’m going to continue to do.”
Since he was acquired in a trade by Houston in April of 2020, the Texans have become a place of football purgatory for Cooks.
The Texans have put together a record of 5-19 following Cooks’ arrival from Los Angeles — which has become the least successful franchise the 28-year-old receiver has played for in his career.
In order to deal with the unprecedented losses, Cooks is leaning on his faith to personal enhance one of life’s significant virtues.
“At the end of the day, we’re not winning, but it’s building me perseverance,” he said. “God talks about how perseverance creates something through trials. It may be hard in the moment. But I genuinely feel there’s light at the end, and I’ve got to continue to trust that, be a light in dark moments. I’ve got to continue to lean on.”
After recording six catches for 83 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Rams, Cooks — who is currently leading the team in receptions (51) and touchdowns (two) — remains one of a few bright spots for the Texans in a season full of misery.
With his commitment to the Texans, Cooks holds all the cards on whether or not he will be dealt ahead of the NFL trade deadline.
“You look around teams in different sports that was in this position and at some point they turned it around,” Cooks said. “You look at the Golden State Warriors, it’s a huge example. You look at those examples, and sooner or later you see it through. You’ve just got to trust the process and the people that’s making those decisions, I guess.”
In 23 career games played with the Texans, Cooks has established himself as Houston’s No. 1 target in the passing game by recording 1,735 receiving yards on 132 catches and eight touchdowns.