Cooks, who will be 33 next season, has 12 NFL seasons of experience and 149 starts across 173 games. He has recorded 9,811 receiving yards on 1,135 targets with 734 receptions and 62 touchdowns, though his production has declined in recent years. He is projected to command a modest one-year deal around $3 million, making him a cost-effective option for depth and veteran leadership.
The case for Cooks rests on three main benefits for the Jets: added stability behind Wilson in case of injuries, insurance for draft-day strategy by keeping positional options flexible, and a professional presence who can contribute meaningful snaps alongside Wilson when healthy. Cooks’ presence could help diversify the offense and address depth concerns in a room that lacks proven contributors beyond the standout receiver.
In evaluating fit, Cooks would provide immediate help without creating a high-impact salary commitment. His experience and versatility could help the Jets’ offense remain balanced while they navigate free agency and the 2026 draft, potentially easing the path for Wilson to develop further without overreliance on a single target.
Overall, signing Cooks would represent a prudent depth addition for the Jets, offering veteran reliability and a compatible skill set that could complement Wilson and help stabilize the receiving corps as the team plans its long-term strategy.
