Brandin Cooks Faces Uncertain Future with Dallas Cowboys After Disappointing Season
Despite leading the Dallas Cowboys in targets during the season finale, Brandin Cooks delivered another lackluster performance, signaling questions about his role going forward.
On January 7, 2024, the 31-year-old wide receiver caught three of nine targets for just 15 yards and recorded one rushing attempt for minus five yards during the Cowboys' 23-19 loss to the Washington Commanders. It was another disappointing outing for Cooks, who struggled significantly to establish any chemistry with third-string quarterback Trey Lance.
Reported by Ari Koslow, Cowboys Correspondent, the veteran wideout faced challenges throughout the season, which he largely attributed to injuries. Cooks had his season hampered by being placed on injured reserve due to knee problems, resulting in seven missed games and limiting his overall impact on the team. Finishing the season period with just 26 catches for 259 yards and three touchdowns highlights how much his capability was affected.
Despite receiving heavy volume with nine targets against the Commanders, Cooks consistently failed to connect with Lance. He was noticeably frustrated, missing key opportunities, including potential scoring chances often spotted by the player on the field. Cooks’ performance was described succinctly: "He caught just three passes for 15 yards and added a rush for a five-yard loss." All of these factors point to what many are calling "a lost season" for the talented receiver.
With free agency looming, Cooks’ future remains uncertain. His recent challenges, combined with the effects of injury, have raised questions about his standing on the Cowboys roster. Approaching the offseason, he holds a voidable contract with the team, indicating the possibility he has played his last game with the franchise, raising speculations about where he might land next.
The Cowboys currently face tough decisions for their reshaping roster. Cooks emerged with success previously, but this season has left fans and analysts questioning whether the Cowboys would choose to retain him or explore other options. It remains to be seen how the sharp decline will affect his negotiations as he hits unrestricted free agency—certainly, teams will weigh his illustrious past against this season's downturn.
For now, Cowboy fans can only look on as Brandin Cooks contemplates his next steps, hoping his next chapter is far less tumultuous than the last. Cooks' undeniable talent and speed could still attract interest if other teams thought they could tap back to his pre-injury form.