Brandin Cooks calls out 2024 season, still open to return: 'They would have to use me right'

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks noted on Saturday evening that he would still be open to returning to Dallas, but he made sure to express his disappointment with his usage in the 2024-2025 campaign. Those feelings were expressed in an article written by Josina Anderson in The Exhibit, where she spoke with Cooks on the phone.

“I’m expecting a good free agency since this is the first time that I would be a free agent in my career, but I’m also open to returning to Dallas. At the end of the day I’m just trying to win,” Cooks explained.

The star wideout is coming off his second season with the Cowboys. He only hauled in 259 receiving yards last year and three touchdowns. But he missed seven games with a knee injury, before finally returning in Week 12.

“I am fully healthy and have nothing to hide. If a quarterback wants to go throw somewhere, I could get on a plane and catch for him right now,” Cooks noted.

According to Anderson, Cooks will have interest on the open market in free agency, but he still loves the Cowboys and has the desire to return to the franchise. He just wants the way that he was utilized last year to change. And he made sure to get that clear point across in the article.

“I have a good relationship with Dak (Prescott), the Jones family and Cee Dee (Lamb), it’s just one of those things where they have to focus on what they have to get done first too. I would love to play with the Cowboys, at the same time they would have to use me right. I don’t think they fully used me to my strengths,” Cooks continued.

The star receiver specifically cited the desire to have more motion in the offense, but spoke favorably of new Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer. “I work well from that. I think Schotty (new Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer) has got some flavor and will put his touches on the offense now too,” Cooks said.

Brandin Cooks has enjoyed a very impressive career

The former Oregon State star came into the NFL after going in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. The New Orleans Saints snagged the California native with the 20th overall selection. Ever since, he’s been a reliable, exciting wide receiver but he hasn’t had a long-term home in the league.

Before the trade from the Texans to the Cowboys, Cooks also spent time with the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams. Over the course of his NFL career, he has tallied 710 catches for 9,532 receiving yards and 60 total touchdowns. He has eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in six of nine seasons. As a runner, he’s had 58 carries for 341 yards and two touchdowns.

Coming out of Oregon State, Cooks was one of the most decorated players in school history, bringing home the Biletnikoff Award for the nation’s best receiver in 2013. During the 2013 campaign, Cooks hauled in 120 catches for 1,670 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. The 120 catches are the most by a receiver in school history. They also broke the Pac-12 single season record. In winning the Biletnikoff, he joined former Oregon State star Mike Haas, who won the award in 2005.

Nikki Chavanelle also contributed to this article.