With Van Jefferson forced to miss the beginning of the 2022 season, the Los Angeles Rams quickly found out how much speed they were missing on offense.
Without a true downfield threat, the Rams have been forced to move the ball more horizontally in the passing game. The lack of a run game has also compounded the issue, making Los Angeles’ offensive execution with much to be desired nearly halfway through the year.
Fortunately for the Rams, the NFL’s trade deadline is less than a week away which means teams floundering could look to sell off some of their productive veterans to playoff contenders. L.A. has several needs they need to address, and it looks like receiver may be one area they look to shore up as they have reportedly checked in on Houston Texans wideout Brandin Cooks, via Aaron Wilson of Click 2 Houston:
That isn’t from lack of interest, though. Cooks has been the subject of multiple trade inquiries, including the Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs and the Rams. Nothing has advanced into anything that could be characterized as developing at this time heading into next Tuesday’s deadline.
Cooks is no stranger to Los Angeles as he played there during the 2018 and 2019 campaigns before eventually being traded to Houston. The 29-year-old is having a quiet 2022 season as the Texans rebuild their team, and he would make sense as a midseason add for most teams including the Rams.
So far, Cooks has recorded 28 receptions for 281 yards and one touchdown which is solid production from the spot. However, it’s clear he is not being utilized to his full potential so a trade to a team with a better offensive scheme could salvage the rest of his year.
The Rams are not shy about trading for higher-end talent around this time of year, and while Cooks would be a worthy get, it stands to reason they’ll prioritize other areas like the offensive line and pass rush.
