NFL Notes: Brandin Cooks, Chiefs, Cowboys, Eagles, Redskins

Brandin Cooks

ESPN’s Adam Caplan said on 97.5 The Fanatic that there is a “good chance” that Saints WR Brandin Cooks gets traded after next Tuesday when teams can begin negotiating with players.

“I think by the time next Tuesday rolls around, there’s a pretty good chance that Brandin Cooks is going to be moved,” said Caplan, via Matt Lombardo of NJ Advance Media. Whether it’s the Eagles, whether it’s the Titans, whether it’s another team, I think this is going to happen. It’s just a matter of where it goes and what compensation they get. That’s clearly a big-story as we talk about the combine and what’s happening here.”

Chiefs

• The Chiefs have hired Terry Brandon as a defensive assistant. (Terez A. Paylor)

Cowboys

Although Cowboys QB Tony Romo is not expected to be back in Dallas this year, owner Jerry Jones would not rule out the possibility of him remaining with the team.

“I have not ruled out the possibility of him being a part of the Cowboys at all,” Jones said, via Todd Archer of ESPN.

Jones also said there is “no legitimacy” to the three-way trade rumors between the Cowboys, 49ers, and Redskins involving Romo and that it is “not a consideration,” per Clarence Hill Jr.

Eagles

Adam Caplan mentioned that he expects the Eagles to acquire “at least” three receivers this offseason through the draft and free agency. Even if they trade for Saints WR Brandin Cooks, Caplan could see the team pursuing a larger receiver like Kenny Britt.

“I think they will add at least three wide receivers through the draft and free agency,” Caplan said, via Matt Lombardo of NJ Advance Media. “If they would acquire a receiver through a trade like Cooks, I still think they would want size on the other side. I think they’d still do something there, whether it’s in the draft or free agency. There’s just not a lot of guys with size. Kenny Britt would be a guy that makes a lot of sense. Kenny Stills is someone that’s also drawn interest from the Eagles. He’s the speed guy.

However, Caplan does not think the Eagles would acquire WR Kenny Stills in free agency if they trade for Cooks since they have a similar skill set and size. Instead, it would be more beneficial to compliment a speedy receiver with a larger player.

“Let’s say this. If they make this trade for Cooks, I can’t see them going after Stills because they’re very similar players. You get Brandin Cooks who is 5-foot-10, you need size on the other side. That’s kind of what the Giants are doing. The Giants are also looking for size at wide receiver. This is a tough draft. You have Mike Williams with size, but you don’t have the combination of size and speed in the draft, which is something that I’m told most teams are looking for.”

Redskins

Even though Redskins HC Jay Gruden said he is comfortable with the running backs on his roster, he said the team is “looking” for a great back.

“When you get a great one, it makes a team different,” Gruden said, via John Keim of ESPN. “And it takes a team from a pretender to an immediate contender. We’re all looking for that.”

Gruden went on to say that he likes RB Rob Kelley “a lot” and that he thinks he will continue to improve.

“We went into Week 17 with a chance to go to the playoffs,” Gruden said. “We didn’t get it done. But Robert was our starting running back, so of course I feel good about him. He’s a big, strong, physical kid. He’s going to get stronger. To throw him into situations we threw him into where he didn’t blink? He had no nerves whatsoever. He’ll get better and better, and he runs hard and with great vision. I like him a lot.”

Gruden also said that he is not giving up on RB Matt Jones and that he will be given an opportunity to compete.

“He can either go in the tank or come in and compete,” Gruden said. “I fully anticipate he’ll come in and compete. No one is giving up on Matt Jones. He has a long life ahead of him in the NFL. We’ll see how it goes.”

• Mike Jones of the Washington Post reports there is a “good bit of interest” around the league in impending free agent WRs DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon.
• Jones mentions that some insiders expect both players to depart through free agency, while others hear that the Redskins could still re-sign Garcon.
• According to Jones, the Redskins have yet to set up a meeting with Garcon’s representation and are “supposed” to talk with Jackson’s agents. However, the expectation for Jackson is that he will earn “much more” on the open market.
• Regardless, Jones writes that Washington’s chances of re-signing them significantly drops after Tuesday.