Cowboys WR critical of team on way to free agency

Cooks played in 10 games in 2024 and had career lows in receptions (26) and receiving yards (259).

In support of his argument, the speedster didn't get many looks on deep throws, defined as passes that travel 20 or more air yards beyond the line of scrimmage.

According to NFL Pro data, Cooks' deep target rate in 2024 was 14.8 percent, his lowest in seven seasons of tracking data. 

With the Cowboys promoting 2024 offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to head coach, Cooks would likely see more of the same usage in 2025 if he re-signs.

Four years removed from his last 1,000-yard season, Cooks, 31, is nearing the end of a productive career that has seen the first-round pick play for five NFL franchises, including the Saints, Patriots, Rams and Texans.

Unless he returns to an old stomping ground, Cooks will be on his sixth team in 12 seasons and the first of his choosing. He's been traded four times, making this offseason Cooks' first as an unrestricted free agent.

Cooks told Anderson that he expects "a good free agency," although it would be better if he were coming off a productive season.

If he departs Dallas, it will be even more important for the Cowboys to improve their wide receiver depth behind All-Pro CeeDee Lamb this offseason. However, that will hardly matter if the Cowboys can't put players in a position to succeed.