NFL Rumors: Brandin Cooks Trade from Texans Isn't 'Imminent' Ahead of Free Agency

Houston Texans receiver Brandin Cooks might have to keep waiting on a trade.

"While the possibility exists that Cooks could still be moved, it didn't appear anything was imminent," Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported Friday.

The veteran said in January he wanted a trade this offseason and didn't want to be part of a rebuild:

Cooks was previously hoping to be dealt before last season's Nov. 1 trade deadline and said he was frustrated when he was still with the team.

"For me personally, I just at the end of the day want to win and compete now," Cooks told reporters. "That's been my thought process."

The Texans were 1-6-1 at the time and finished the year 3-13-1, the second-worst record in the NFL.

Though the 29-year-old remains under contract with Houston for two more seasons, he is clearly hoping to play for a contender.

The problem is Cooks is coming off one of his worst NFL seasons, finishing 2022 with 57 catches for 699 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games. It was just the second time in the last eight years that he failed to reach 1,000 receiving yards.

Cooks also has a $26.5 million cap hit for 2023 and would leave $16.2 million in dead cap after a trade, per Spotrac.

Houston would have to sell low in a trade while also maintaining a difficult cap situation without the team's top receiver. It could create a limited push for the Texans to complete a deal this offseason.