NFL Trade Deadline: Which Houston Texans that aren’t Deshaun Watson could be traded?

Houston Texans second deadline candidate: WR Brandin Cooks

Brandin Cooks has had a very interesting career when it comes to the trade market. Cooks is the second-most traded player in NFL history (traded three times), only behind Los Angeles Rams running back Eric Dickerson (respect the rec specs!) who was traded four times.

It would be a record-tying transaction for one of the better receivers in the league. Cooks has shown that even in the Houston Texans offense he can still put up numbers. That reason alone on top of his skill set makes him a great trade candidate.

So where would the Oregon State product go?

Pittsburgh desperately needs to replace Juju Smith-Schuster

With Ben Roethlisberger seemingly putting himself into the “retirement pasture”, the Pittsburgh offense is just spinning its wheels. Pittsburgh has been too reliant upon rookie running back and first-round selection Najee Harris to produce in the passing game and as a result, they own a 2-3 record and sit in last place in the division.

The AFC North is traditionally known for defensive play. That isn’t so much the case in 2021, as Joe Burrow, Baker Mayfield, and Lamar Jackson have supercharged their respective offenses. Adding Cooks would be a phenomenal add. Cooks’ speed would stretch the field and let Chase Claypool continue to garner huge YAC (yards after the catch) and get him into open space.

Here’s what a potential trade would be:

Cooks would be a great addition for a team that’s never had a losing season under Mike Tomlin. The Steelers’ last losing season came in 2003 when the team finished with a 6-10 record. It remains to be seen if this can help the meltdown that’s happening in Steel City right now.

Houston gets a third-round pick here just because Pittsburgh is desperate for another pass catcher.