Brandin Cooks
Everything that was said about Jonathan Mingo applies to veteran WR Brandin Cooks. The 31-year-old had the least productive campaign of his career, only playing in ten games and putting up 26 catches, 259 yards, and three touchdowns.
Since arriving in Dallas, Cooks hasn't been able to live up to expectations and has underwhelmed as a WR2 opposite CeeDee Lamb. In each of his previous four stops, Cooks has had 1,000+ seasons. In the two seasons he has been in Dallas, he has a total of 916 receiving yards.
Cooks is a free agent this offseason. Perhaps Schottenheimer would want to keep him around as a depth option as a competent veteran. Jerry Jones might be interested in keeping him on a cheap, team-friendly deal as a way to save some money.
Even if Cooks were to come back for another season, it's hard to imagine him having a large role. Jalen Tolbert emerged as a decent starter in 2024 and the Cowboys may want to get a closer look at Jalen Brooks.
With Schottenheimer now in charge of playcalling, we may see the Cowboys run the ball more, potentially minimizing the role of receivers not named CeeDee Lamb.