Denver Broncos 3 post-Russell Wilson trades the team should make

Denver Broncos general manager George Paton. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos general manager George Paton. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Brandin Cooks, Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos 2021 roster – Brandin Cooks. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos: Three post-Russell Wilson trades

3. Brandin Cooks, WR

Perhaps one of the most underrated players in the NFL over the past decade is Texans’ wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who continues to produce even in awful situations.

Cooks, on his 4th team, put up his 6th 1,000-yard receiving season in his 8 career years in the NFL.

Mind you, he did this catching passes primarily from Davis Mills and Tyrod Taylor.

Cooks is a speedster; he can take the top off of defenses and stays on the field, even with his small size.

Brandin Cooks has missed just 9 games in 8 seasons and surely is not part of the Texans’ long-term plans. He will be 29 this season, and he has shown no signs of slowing down.  With new Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson loving the deep ball, why not trade for Cooks?

In this scenario, George Paton would probably have to send K.J. Hamler back to the Texans in the deal, but the Broncos would be getting an above-average player.

Cooks and Hamler are very similar.  Cooks is obviously better, but Hamler is much younger and still on his rookie deal.  It could be a win/win for both sides.

With Cooks’ $16 million cap number for 2022, George Paton would probably re-work his contract to lessen that cap hit.

Being that he already gave both Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick extensions, that would be a ton of money tied up in the receiver position.

However, if Denver truly wants to go all-in, making a move like this would sure help that cause.