Brandin Cooks Discusses Possible Cowboys Return and His Usage by the Team
As the Dallas Cowboys continue to assess their roster for the 2025 NFL season, wide receiver Brandin Cooks finds himself at the center of discussions about his future with the team. After being traded to the Cowboys ahead of the 2024 season, Cooks had a productive yet somewhat underutilized campaign in Dallas. With a return to the team on the table, Cooks recently opened up about his potential role moving forward and his thoughts on how he was used by the Cowboys last season.
A Solid but Quiet Season
Brandin Cooks, a veteran wide receiver known for his deep-threat ability and speed, was acquired by the Cowboys in a trade with the Houston Texans last year. The move was seen as an effort to bolster the Cowboys’ receiving corps, providing quarterback Dak Prescott with another experienced playmaker alongside CeeDee Lamb. While Cooks brought his usual explosive talent to the team, his 2024 season was marked by quiet but solid contributions.
Cooks finished the season with 68 receptions for 980 yards and 5 touchdowns. While those numbers are respectable, they don’t fully reflect his potential or the explosive plays that are characteristic of his career. The wideout’s role in Dallas seemed more secondary, with Lamb continuing to be Prescott’s primary target. The Cowboys also leaned heavily on their strong running game, which limited the volume of passing attempts.
For Cooks, this relatively low-profile role was a bit surprising. The 29-year-old has made a career out of being a game-changer, known for his ability to stretch the field and create mismatches with defenders. However, in a system where Lamb was the clear focal point, Cooks wasn’t always utilized to his fullest potential, which led to discussions about his future role with the team.
Cooks’ Thoughts on His Role in Dallas
In a recent interview, Cooks discussed his thoughts on his first season with the Cowboys and his potential role moving forward. He acknowledged that the offense in 2024 was largely built around CeeDee Lamb, and while he was happy to contribute, he expressed a desire for a more significant role in the offense.
“I came here to win, and I know I can be a big part of this offense,” Cooks said. “I respect the system and the role I played last year, but I’m looking forward to being a bigger factor in the passing game if I’m back. I feel like I can still be that deep threat, the guy who opens up space for others, but also someone who can make big plays when needed.”
Cooks’ comments reflect his competitive mindset and his desire to contribute more to the offense. With the Cowboys’ focus shifting towards a more dynamic passing attack, Cooks could find himself in a more prominent role in 2025. His speed, route-running, and ability to track deep passes are qualities that complement Prescott’s style of play, and he could become a more frequent target if the team’s offensive strategy evolves.
The Possibility of a Return to Dallas
While Cooks has expressed interest in returning to the Cowboys, the decision ultimately depends on several factors, including the team’s plans for the offseason. Dallas has already made significant moves in the past to enhance their receiving corps, and Cooks has proven to be a solid contributor. However, with questions surrounding the long-term fit of some other players on the roster, Cooks’ role could be up for discussion.
The Cowboys’ offense could see changes depending on their draft selections and free-agent acquisitions, with an emphasis on adding more weapons around Prescott. If Cooks remains in the fold, it will be essential for the coaching staff to find ways to incorporate his deep-threat ability more consistently. A more balanced distribution of targets between Cooks and Lamb, along with a greater emphasis on vertical passing plays, could open up new opportunities for both players to shine.
A Win-Win Situation
Ultimately, a return to the Cowboys would be beneficial for both Cooks and the team. Cooks provides the Cowboys with a unique skill set that is difficult to replace, and his ability to stretch the field opens up space for others to make plays. For Cooks, a larger role could rejuvenate his career and prove that he’s still capable of being a game-changing receiver in the NFL.
As discussions about his future continue, one thing is clear: Brandin Cooks is eager to contribute more to the Cowboys’ success in 2025. Whether that means a return to his deep-threat role or taking on new responsibilities, Cooks is ready to help lead the Cowboys to greater heights. With the right adjustments to his usage, he could become one of the key pieces to a Super Bowl-caliber offense.
