The Houston Texans are not standing idly by in the wake of Jayden Higgins’ season-ending knee injury, targeting Brandin Cooks.
Cooks was a Texan once before, but his exit–while potentially amicable, given the circumstances–came after some comments that left a sour taste as he eyed greener pastures in his prime years.
Now, though, both sides could use one another.
Texans Move on Brandin Cooks: Report
GettyBrandin Cooks’ agent has been in touch with the Texans.
The Texans lost Higgins in joint practice against the Las Vegas Raiders ahead of their preseason matchup, and they have explored Cooks as an option in the aftermath.
“They’ve also talked to the agents of several free-agent receivers, including Brandin Cooks’ representative. One source said Cooks would be interested in a reunion if the Texans were interested, though that appears unlikely to happen,” the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander wrote on August 21.
“Nothing is imminent.”
Cooks spent three seasons with the Texans from 2020 through 2022, opting to seek and receiving a trade, landing with the Dallas Cowboys. Cooks has had stints with the New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills since then.
Notably, his final season with the Texans, in which he posted a career-low to that point of 699 receiving yards, is more than he has tallied in any season since.
It is more than he has had in total since the start of the 2024 season.
Brandin Cooks’ Words Resurface Amid Houston Interest
GettyBrandin Cooks wanted no parts of a fourth losing season with the Texans.
While Cooks may have interest in a return, and the Texans have a clear need for help, fans may be less willing to welcome the former 20th overall pick (2014) back with open arms. Asked about going through a rebuild at the end of the 2022 season, Cooks spoke candidly.
“For me, my mind’s not there,” Cooks told Brian “Big Sarge” Barfield at the time. “That window of where your gifts are at its peak, it only lasts for so long.
“For me, I’m not looking at it as far as being a part of a rebuild. However that looks, that’s where I trust my camp and my representation to be able to get a map from here to there to see what that looks like, to be a part of something that’s a trusted plan. But I’m not going into this off-season thinking I want to be a part of another rebuild.”
The Texans won three games in 2022 and 11 total during his three-year tenure.
Cooks, 33 in September, had 24 receptions for 279 yards in 15 games in 2025. For his career, he has a 734-9,811-60 line and would be an immediate upgrade on what the Texans have behind two-time Pro Bowler Nico Collins. That is, if the two sides can come to terms on an agreement.
Texans In Contact With 9,800-Yard Potential Jayden Higgins Replacement: Insider