Recent blockbuster trade involving Jonathan Mingo may spell the end for 9,300-yard wideout, Brandin Cooks this season.

According to reports, Cooks may be on the verge of a return but this doesn’t mean he’ll be a part of Dallas’ long-term plans. Since acquiring Jonathan Mingo, he will probably be the replacement the Cowboys were looking for to help accommodate the passing game. Jerry Jones wanted Mingo originally in the 2023 NFL Draft but the Panthers brought him into the lineup hoping to establish himself under Carolina’s offense.

However, things didn’t pan out with the Panthers after recording 55 catches for 539 yards. Despite that, Mingo gets a fresh start and since Cooks is in the last year of his contract, he could be heading elsewhere in 2025. The Cowboys are still fighting for a chance to be a competitive team at 3-5 and losing starting quarterback Dak Prescott for several weeks. Cooks never got the chance to bring out his full potential Dallas as the journeyman was never able to break 1,000 plus yards since 2021.

He might not be the same player anymore since he’s aging but he could be a viable option for any championship roster for the future. Even though the trade deadline is over, teams like the Ravens or Chiefs could roll the dice and sign him next offseason. As long as he can stay healthy, he could make a few plays in the endzone as a rotational player. The Cowboys will likely rebuild their entire passing attack behind superstar CeeDee Lamb so bringing in Mingo and letting Cooks walk makes sense for both sides.

Blockbuster Jonathan Mingo Trade May Spell End For 9,300-Yard Wideout Brandin Cooks – Ravens, Chiefs Possible Fits

Next Possible Teams

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are already equipped in hopes of ending their championship drought after trading for Diontae Johnson. It was long overdue for Baltimore to find a new receiver since releasing Odell Beckham Jr. and finding no replacement to help Nelson Agholor. There’s word on whether or not they’ll extend Johnson beyond this year but having Agholor still dealing with inconsistency issues, he could move on to a new team. Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are still the Ravens’ top two but they must do something to address the depth of the passing attack.

Even though Flowers and Bateman aren’t going anywhere, they could benefit from some veteran insurance to help get DeVontez Walker up to speed. With Agholor still struggling, Cooks could easily be the immediate fourth man behind Johnson as a rental pick if they bring him back.

Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City may three-peat this year as long as after acquiring DeAndre Hopkins they can stay healthy. They hoped Marquise Brown, Rashee Rice and rookie Xavier Worthy would be their starting lineup. However, injuries to Brown and Rice forced them to find some immediate help but they could use some extra depth on the back end. Reserve players like JuJu Smith-Schuster are still battling injuries while Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore haven’t got much involvement.

Adding an experienced veteran like Cooks might not be the all-around answer but it’s enough to make a few plays. Mahomes could bring out the best in Cooks for one last run before he retires.

New Orleans Saints

After their 2-0 start, the Saints lost seven straight games since injuries and inconsistency issues got the best out of New Orleans. The Saints are moving on from Dennis Allen and even with Derek Carr returning, this season is over for the team. The future doesn’t get any better despite signing Marquez Valdes-Scantling to scramble at least something out of this season. Chris Olave is out for the year and teased he could sign elsewhere in 2025.

Cooks isn’t a building block receiver anymore but he’s easily a temporary solution alongside Valdes-Scantling until Bub Means and whoever they bring in can establish themselves.