With a new quarterback in Philip Rivers and four-time Pro Bowler T.Y. Hilton as the team’s main weapon in the passing game, the Indianapolis Colts are in need of another wide receiver to complement Rivers’ corp of pass catchers.
The offense would receive a huge boost by finding another wide receiver to pair with the 30-year-old Hilton.
Brandin Cooks may want out of Los Angeles
On March 27, Brandin Cooks tweeted the following:
Free me 🤦🏿♂️
— Brandin Cooks (@brandincooks) March 27, 2020
However, Cooks’ teammate Cooper Kupp stepped in to clarify the situation:
From quarantine. (Just to clarify) https://t.co/H56T44Q3tJ
— Cooper Kupp (@CooperKupp) March 27, 2020
To someone who knows me! 🏹
— Brandin Cooks (@brandincooks) March 28, 2020
Although Cooks agreed with Kupp, the possibility of Cooks heading to Indianapolis is not a far-fetched one.
Since the Colts have a large amount of cap space remaining – $27 million according to Over The Cap – they have plenty of options when attempting to trade for Cooks.
With the Colts going all-in for 2020 with 38-year-old Rivers at quarterback, Cooks would be a strong option.
Cooks can be a deep threat
Cooks can fit the role as the other starting wide receiver for the Colts.
As a deep threat, Mike Williams amassed a career-high 1,001 yards and league-best 20.4 yards per reception as a part of Rivers’ passing game in 2019.
Cooks could fit that role in 2020 for the Colts.
The current Rams receiver has averaged more than 10 yards per reception in each of his six years in the NFL.
He reached his best mark in 2017 at 16.6 yards per reception with the Patriots.
Cooks can fill the gap left by Ebron’s departure
After signing a two-year, $12 million deal with the Steelers, Eric Ebron and his 31 receptions for 375 yards and three touchdowns on 52 targets will surely be missed.
He was one of four Colts pass catchers to score at least three touchdowns during the 2019 season.
Although Cooks would not be running similar routes to the ones Ebron did, the former Saint and Ram would be able to provide the receiving production left by Ebron.
Cooks can help Pascal and Campell
On the field, Cooks would be able to take the pressure off Zach Pascal and Parris Campbell, who are in their third and second years, respectively.
In three and four wide receiver sets, Hilton and Cooks would be able to take the bulk of the attention and when Rivers is unable to find his top two receivers, Pascal and Campbell would be able to shine.
Although Pascal led the team in targets in 2019, his development would benefit from a year as the third receiver.
Pascal, the single-season Old Dominion record holder with 1,549 all-purpose yards in 2015, has the potential to be a Pro Bowl receiver, and with Cooks on the Colts, Pascal can become a better deep threat and better wide receiver overall.
Campell was sixth on the team in receptions in just seven games in 2019.
He has the capability to take the next step forward in his sophomore campaign, but it will be difficult for Pascal and Campell to develop if Hilton has difficulty staying on the field and if the Colts are unable to find a second receiver like Cooks.
NEXT: Should The Colts Trade For Panthers Receiver Curtis Samuel?
