Colts: 3 monster playmakers Indy could trade for midseason

2. Brandin Cooks

Does anybody know what the Texans are doing? Not only did they –a team projected to have the worst record in the NFL next year if Deshaun Watson doesn’t play — decide to cancel mandatory minicamp this week, but they currently have logjams at several positions on their roster.

For context, their current running back options are David Johnson, Mark Ingram, Philip Lindsay and Rex Burkhead. No, that isn’t a misprint. While wide receiver doesn’t fall under that category, veteran Brandin Cooks could be on the trading block if Houston gets off to a slow start. That’s why you don’t sign everyone in the $1 bin!

Trading for Cooks would be a risk for the Colts, as the 27-year-old speedster has an extensive history with concussions, meaning one awkward landing on a reception or cheap hit could land him on injured reserve or even end his season.

Could Brandin Cooks be a trade target for the Colts?

That being said, however, Cooks represents everything Indy doesn’t currently have in their receiving corps: a deep threat. The former first-rounder enjoyed arguably the best year of his career in 2021, which speaks volumes given he was serving as the Texans’ No. 1 and folks doubted whether he could handle such a prominent role.

In 15 games, Cooks compiled 81 receptions (three off his career-high) for 1,150 yards (54 off his career-high) and six touchdowns (three off his career-high). His 119 targets, 9.7 yards per target and 68.1% catch rate were all some of the best marks of his career as well.

If the Texans’ tailspin continues out of the gates next season, don’t be surprised if Cooks becomes one of the most in-demand WRs at the trade deadline. An in-division trade might be rare, but Houston is looking to stockpile draft picks and Indy has plenty of those in the bank.