Browns Trade Rumors: Texans' Brandin Cooks Interests Cleveland; Deal Unlikely

The Cleveland Browns are reportedly hoping to acquire a familiar face for new quarterback Deshaun Watson.

According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns are attempting to trade for Houston Texans receiver Brandin Cooks, who was one of Watson's top targets in 2020. However, Cabot noted that another deal between the two teams is "unlikely to happen."   

Multiple teams are reportedly inquiring with the Texans about acquiring Cooks. The Browns are not favored to land him, thanks in part to Houston's asking price.

According to Cabot, the Texans could be seeking a second-round pick in return for the ninth-year veteran. Cleveland already traded away its first-round pick and one of its two fourth-rounders to the Texans in exchange for Watson, so it would be hard for the team to part ways with its highest remaining selection. The Browns also sent Houston first-rounders in 2023 and 2024, a third-rounder in 2023 and a fourth-rounder in 2024.

Cooks, who is headed into the final year of his contract, is set to make a base salary of $12.5 million. The Browns already have a big-money receiver in Amari Cooper, who was acquired from the Dallas Cowboys this offseason.

But Cleveland may be willing to look past Cooks' cap number thanks to his chemistry with Watson. In 2020, Watson led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards and Cooks caught 81 passes for 1,150 yards and six touchdowns. While Watson missed the entirety of last season, Cooks' production still didn't wane as he put up 90 catches for 1,037 yards and six scores.

The Browns are looking to add a strong No. 2 receiver opposite of Cooper, and Cooks would surely fill that role if they can reach the Texans' asking price.