AFC South

The Houston Texans were unable to trade veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks ahead of the deadline, and now it may be clear why.

Houston wanted second and fourth-round picks in exchange for Cooks, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Teams were unwilling to part with the draft picks and also take on Cooks' fully guaranteed $18 million salary for 2023.

A number of teams reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Cooks, including the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams.

The Cowboys and Texans were actually engaged in discussions "until the final minutes" leading up to the deadline, per ESPN's Ed Werder. The two sides couldn't agree on draft compensation and Cooks' 2023 salary.

After the Texans failed to trade Cooks at Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline, he posted a cryptic tweet appearing to voice his displeasure about not being moved. He then tweeted on Thursday that he believes his path will be "straight."

Don’t take a man’s kindness for granted. Covered for the lies for too long those days are done. Crossed the line with playing with my career 🏹

— Brandin Cooks (@brandincooks) November 1, 2022

He will make my paths straight. Trust trust trust him🏹

— Brandin Cooks (@brandincooks) November 3, 2022

Cooks did not participate in Tuesday or Wednesday's practices due to personal reasons, and Werder reported that he would not play Thursday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The 29-year-old is in his third season with the Texans. In seven games, he has caught 32 passes for 354 yards and one touchdown.

Cooks' best season in Houston came in 2020 when he caught 81 passes for 1,150 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. He followed that up with a 1,037-yard, six-touchdown 2021 campaign.

Cooks isn't expected to become an unrestricted free agent until 2025.

However, it's possible his contract, including the $18 million fully guaranteed, could be voided. A copy of Cooks' contract obtained by ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio says his contract can be voided if he commits a "default."

"A default occurs if (among other things) the player, without 'prior written consent' of coach Lovie Smith or GM Nick Caserio, 'fails to practice with or play for Club' for reasons other than a football-related injury or illness," Florio wrote.

If Cooks' contract is voided, he'll become a free agent and eligible to sign with whichever team he pleases. However, it's important to note that, despite missing two practices and Thursday's game, it's unclear if Cooks has committed a default.

After expressing frustration about not being traded earlier this week, Brandin Cooks likely won't be on the field for the Houston Texans on Thursday night.

Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, Cooks isn't expected to play against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Cooks seemed to indicate on Twitter he was unhappy the Texans didn't move him before the trade deadline on Tuesday:

Don’t take a man’s kindness for granted. Covered for the lies for too long those days are done. Crossed the line with playing with my career 🏹

— Brandin Cooks (@brandincooks) November 1, 2022

Cooks' name was bantered about leading up to the trade deadline. ESPN's Ed Werder reported the Texans and Dallas Cowboys were engaged in talks "until the final minutes" before the 4 p.m. ET cutoff, but Cooks' salary and draft compensation couldn't be agreed to.

Jordan Schultz of The Score reported the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants were other teams connected to Cooks.

The Texans signed Cooks to a two-year, $39.6 million extension in April that runs through the 2024 season. His new deal may have worked against him being moved, as it comes with a $26.6 million cap hit and $34.2 million in dead money next season.

According to Houston's official injury report, Cooks sat out the previous two days of practice after being a full participant on Monday. His official designation is a wrist and personal reasons not related to an injury.

Cooks is in his third season with the Texans. The 29-year-old was originally acquired from the Los Angeles Rams in April 2020.

While most of the things in the Texans' organization have fallen apart in recent years, Cooks has managed to remain a productive player. He had more than 1,000 yards receiving in each of the past two seasons.

Through seven games this season, Cooks is on pace for one of the worst seasons of his career. He has 354 yards and one touchdown on 32 receptions.

Houston is on its way to a third consecutive losing season and a last-place finish in the AFC South for the first time since 2013. It enters Thursday's game against the undefeated Eagles with a 1-5-1 record.

Houston Texans receiver Brandin Cooks missed practice Wednesday because of "personal reasons," according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston.

Cooks was not traded ahead of Tuesday's deadline and showed his disappointment on social media:

Don’t take a man’s kindness for granted. Covered for the lies for too long those days are done. Crossed the line with playing with my career 🏹

— Brandin Cooks (@brandincooks) November 1, 2022

The 29-year-old had signed a two-year, $39.8 million extension with the Texans before the season to keep him under contract through 2024.

The Texans reportedly had "talks" with teams about a trade ahead of the deadline but "nothing came of" them, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The New York Giants, Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings were listed as possible destinations for Cooks, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, but the wideout's $18 million guaranteed salary for next season was a significant holdup in negotiations.

It still seems Cooks wanted a new home after the Texans' 1-5-1 start.

The squad is scheduled to face the 7-0 Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night.

Cooks has also been up-and-down individually this year, totaling 32 catches for 354 yards and just one touchdown in seven games. His 50.6 average yards per game would be the second-worst in his nine-year NFL career.

The veteran had been one of the most consistent receivers in the league prior to this season, reaching at least 1,000 yards in six of the last seven years with four organizations.

With Cooks not practicing and Nico Collins dealing with a groin injury, the Texans could turn to Phillip Dorsett and Chris Moore against the Eagles.

The Dallas Cowboys failed to add a wide receiver at Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, but it wasn't for a lack of trying.

The Cowboys and Houston Texans engaged in discussions on a deal for Brandin Cooks "until the final minutes" before the deadline, per ESPN's Ed Werder. However, the trade couldn't get over the finish line before the clock struck 4 p.m. ET due to a disagreement on draft compensation and Cooks' $18 million guaranteed salary for 2023.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Oct. 30 that the Texans were open to trading Cooks at the deadline and were listening to offers for the veteran. In addition to the Cowboys, the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams were considered possible trade partners.

Cooks missed Tuesday's practice, which led to speculation about his status with the franchise, but Texans head coach Lovie Smith told reporters he was excused from practice for "personal reasons."

The 29-year-old doesn't appear to be happy that he wasn't moved, either, tweeting shortly after the deadline:

Don’t take a man’s kindness for granted. Covered for the lies for too long those days are done. Crossed the line with playing with my career 🏹

— Brandin Cooks (@brandincooks) November 1, 2022

Cooks would have been a great depth addition to the Dallas offense. In seven games this season, he has caught 32 passes for 354 yards, both team-leading marks, and one touchdown.

Through his nine-year NFL career, the Oregon State product has six 1,000-plus-receiving-yard seasons, including a 1,037-yard 2021 campaign.

The Cowboys, meanwhile, are led by CeeDee Lamb, who has caught 42 passes for 556 yards and three touchdowns in eight games in 2022. Beyond Lamb, Dallas' wideout group has been unimpressive.

Fifth-year receiver Noah Brown ranks second on the team with 25 catches for 339 yards and one touchdown in seven games, while Michael Gallup has caught 12 passes for 135 yards and one touchdown in five games.

Simi Fehoko and Jalen Tolbert round out Dallas' receiving group, and they have combined for four catches for 28 yards. Fehoko has appeared in five games, and Tolbert has appeared in four games.

While the Cowboys are 6-2 on the season, adding another target for star quarterback Dak Prescott would have put the franchise in better position to compete with the 7-0 Philadelphia Eagles for the top spot in the NFC East.

Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks was apparently heading for the exit door prior to the NFL trade deadline.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Houston discussed possible deals involving Cooks but that "nothing came of it." It doesn't look like the 29-year-old is thrilled to be staying in Houston.

Don’t take a man’s kindness for granted. Covered for the lies for too long those days are done. Crossed the line with playing with my career 🏹

— Brandin Cooks (@brandincooks) November 1, 2022

This response is partially why Cooks' decision to sign a two-year, $39.8 million extension remains a head-scratcher.

Everybody knew Houston would still be rebuilding in 2022, so its 1-5-1 start is hardly a surprise. Cooks had to know he wouldn't be contending for a title on the Texans right now.

His contract also made a midseason trade even more difficult since any team acquiring him would have to take on a lot more money than before. ESPN's Dan Graziano reported Cooks' fully guaranteed $18 million salary in 2023 was a "major impediment" in trade negotiations.

I'll bet Houston would've been able to trade Brandin Cooks had he agreed to give up the $18 million guaranteed for next season.

— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) November 1, 2022

Cooks' frustration is understandable. He's stuck on one of the NFL's worst teams, and his 50.6 receiving yards per game are on pace to be the second-lowest of his career.

When he signed that extension, though, he gained long-term financial flexibility at the cost of short-term trade flexibility.

Cooks will ultimately have to put any resentment aside. A trade is now off the table, and cutting him is simply out of the question given the financial penalty Houston would incur.

The 5'10" pass-catcher has to look at the second half of the year as an opportunity to showcase his skills for prospective trade suitors in the offseason.

Already boasting one of the best offenses in the NFL, the Buffalo Bills have added to their group of running backs by acquiring Nyheim Hines from the Indianapolis Colts before the trade deadline.

Indianapolis will receive running back Zack Moss and a conditional sixth-round pick in return.

ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported the deal.

Buffalo will have Hines under contract through the 2024 season, with his salary in each of the next two years not guaranteed.

RB Nyheim Hines brings a 2 1/2 year, $12.27M contract with him to the #Bills, including:

2022: $2M ($1.8M guaranteed)
2023: $4.79M (non-guaranteed)
2024: $5.48M (non-guaranteed)#Colts Dead Cap
2022: $3.1M
2023: $3M ($4.79M saved)https://t.co/XBqCddwUtm

— Spotrac (@spotrac) November 1, 2022

Moss has $1.71 million remaining on his deal through next season, but the money is nonguaranteed.

The Colts didn't necessarily go into sell mode at the trade deadline, but their move to bench Matt Ryan and make Sam Ehlinger the starting quarterback suggests they are looking toward the future.

Adding a potential fifth-round draft pick for their backup running back is good value for the Colts. They now have eight picks in the 2023 NFL draft, with potentially two in the fifth round.

The Bills are all-in for this season, as they should be. They currently are the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a 6-1 record, rank first in the NFL scoring defense (14.0 points per game), second in scoring offense (29.0 points per game) and have the league's best point differential (105).

No other team is within 27 points of Buffalo's scoring margin (78, Philadelphia Eagles). Zack Moss fell down to third on the depth chart this season with the addition of rookie James Cook.

Devin Singletary will likely remain the No. 1 running back for the Bills. He's having a solid season with 506 yards from scrimmage on 94 touches.

Hines' primary value in Buffalo figures to be as a receiving back. The 25-year-old has 235 receptions in 72 career games with the Colts dating back to 2018. He'd been an effective running back at times, including averaging a career-high 4.9 yards per carry in 2021.

Josh Allen has targeted running backs 46 times this season. The bulk of those have gone to Singletary (30), but expect head coach Sean McDermott and offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey to get Hines involved in the passing game.

The Indianapolis Colts announced the firing of offensive coordinator Marcus Brady on Tuesday following a 17-16 loss to the Washington Commanders in Week 8.

Colts head coach Frank Reich said in a statement:

"This was an incredibly hard decision, but one I felt needed to be made in the best interest of the team. I appreciate Marcus's commitment to the organization, and he made a significant contribution to our offensive success over the last five seasons. I wish him the best moving forward."

The Colts are a disappointing 3-4-1 this season, and they rank 30th in the NFL in scoring with just 16.1 points per game.

Brady, 43, was in the midst of his second season as the Colts' OC after serving as their assistant quarterbacks coach in 2018 and their quarterbacks coach in 2019 and 2020.

After playing quarterback for the CFL's Toronto Argonauts, Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Montreal Alouettes, Brady spent time as a wide receivers coach and offensive coordinator for the Alouettes and Argos, winning three Grey Cups as a coach.

Reich hired Brady to his staff when he became the Colts' head coach in 2018, and he worked his way up the ladder to offensive coordinator, replacing Nick Sirianni when he was hired as head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.

With Brady and Reich running the offense last season, the Colts ranked ninth in scoring with 26.5 points per game and second in rushing with 149.4 yards per game, spearheaded by a spectacular season from running back Jonathan Taylor.

Indy ranked just 26th in passing, however, and missed the playoffs. That prompted the Colts to trade quarterback Carson Wentz to the Commanders and acquire veteran signal-caller Matt Ryan from the Atlanta Falcons.

Ryan went 3-3-1 in seven starts, throwing for 2,008 yards, nine touchdowns and a league-worst nine interceptions, prompting the Colts to bench Ryan in favor of Sam Ehlinger.

The move didn't give Indianapolis the type of offensive boost it hoped for, as Ehlinger threw for 201 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions in his first career start against the Commanders.

In addition to their inability to score, the Colts are just 18th in the NFL in total offense this season. While poor quarterback play has contributed to that, the bigger issue may be Taylor dealing with injuries and ineffectiveness, as the Colts have dropped to 29th in the league in rushing yards per game at just 87.8.

While the Colts have struggled in most facets this season, they are still second in the AFC South, behind only the 5-2 Tennessee Titans.

There is time for the Colts to turn things around and get back in the playoff hunt, and the organization seemingly hopes that a coaching change on the offensive side of the ball will serve as a catalyst.

Tuesday's NFL trade deadline is quickly approaching, and teams looking for backfield help are reportedly reaching out to the Indianapolis Colts to check the availability of their backup running back.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, teams around the league have contacted the Colts to inquire about trading for fifth-year running back Nyheim Hines.

Everything I’m hearing right now about the status of things with Colts RB Nyheim Hines indicates odds are good he will be traded by tomorrow’s deadline. Colts haven’t gotten the offer they want just yet, but there’s a strong feeling they just might. Stay tuned.

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) November 1, 2022

Since being drafted with a fourth-round pick in 2018, Hines has had a consistent role in the Colts offense thanks to his versatility.

The 25-year-old has only missed one game in his entire career and has totaled over 500 scrimmage yards in each of his first four NFL seasons. His best season came in 2020 when he recorded 862 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns.

Through seven games in 2022, Hines has notched 224 yards from scrimmage with a score. He also has returned 11 punts for 111 yards. The Colts signed him to a three-year, $18.6 million contract extension in September 2021.

Indianapolis has one of the best running backs in the NFL on its roster in Jonathan Taylor. The 2021 rushing champion hasn't been as effective this season as he's been hobbled by an ankle injury, recording 462 rushing yards and a touchdown in six games. Hines also recently sat out after being placed in concussion protocol.

The emergence of second-year running back Deon Jackson has likely made Hines expendable if the Colts are offered the right price. When given a bigger role in Weeks 5 and 6 with Taylor injured, Jackson totaled 104 rushing yards and a touchdown on 25 carries along with 14 catches for 108 receiving yards.

However, Taylor's durability this season remains a question, so Indianapolis could hold on to a dependable backup like Hines unless a team offers a deal they can't resist.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich told reporters Monday that he hasn't spoken to Matt Ryan about the possibility of a trade before Tuesday's deadline.

Last week, Reich announced that the team planned to roll out Sam Ehlinger as the starting quarterback for the remainder of the season.

"We are going to make a significant change to the starting lineup," Reich told reporters last week. "We are going to elevate Sam to be the starting quarterback. Extremely difficult decision, obviously, given the respect and admiration we have for Matt Ryan and what he's done and what he's brought here. He's a pro's pro. This guy is special, special, special."

Ryan had been dealing with a Grade 2 shoulder separation and was already scheduled to be out for Sunday's 17-16 loss to the Washington Commanders. But Reich confirmed that the decision to move Ehlinger to the starting role wasn't a temporary one.

"Just feel like, at this point, that's the best decision for our team going forward," Reich said.

Because the Colts also have veteran Nick Foles on the roster as a capable backup if Ehlinger gets hurt, Ryan is expendable for the Colts and would make sense as a potential trade chip if an interested team comes calling.

Granted, Ryan's 2022 season hasn't gone to plan. The 37-year-old has been poor, throwing for 2,008 yards, nine touchdowns and nine interceptions in seven games, completing 68.4 percent of his passes. The team went 3-3-1 in his starts, but his turnover issues had become untenable.

"Our poor production on offense is not on one person—it's not on Matt Ryan—but we also know, as Matt and I talked it through, as head coach and quarterback," Reich told reporters last week. "As head coach, ultimately it doesn't matter, I'm judged on wins and losses. Quarterback's judged on points and production and turnovers. We understand that's how it is in this league."

Given his play, it's hard to imagine a vibrant market developing for his services, though teams in need of a veteran backup might have interest. For now, however, it appears as though he'll remain in Indianapolis.

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry rushed for 200 or more yards for a sixth time in Sunday's 17-10 win over the Houston Texans, matching an NFL record set by Adrian Peterson and O.J. Simpson.

Henry finished with 219 yards and two touchdowns as the Titans employed a ball-control strategy in rookie quarterback Malik Willis' first NFL start. Tennessee ran the ball 45 times against only 10 passes, with Henry toting the rock a season-high 32 times.

The performance also marked Henry's fourth straight 200-yard game against the Texans, an NFL record for the most such performances against one opponent.

Most games in NFL history with 200 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns:

6 -- Derrick Henry
4 -- Derrick Henry only against the Texans
3 -- Jim Brown
3 -- Barry Sanders
3 -- LaDainian Tomlinson pic.twitter.com/9caJpdxkTZ

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 30, 2022

Coming off a foot injury that cost him the final nine games of the 2021 regular season and made him look like a shell of himself in the playoffs, Henry has re-emerged as one of the NFL's most dominant runners. He'll likely leave Week 8 third in rushing behind Saquon Barkley and Nick Chubb (he's 15 yards ahead of Chubb heading into Cleveland's Monday night game against Cincinnati), helping lead the Titans to a 5-2 record.

Tennessee, picked by many to regress this season, now looks like a mortal lock for its third straight AFC South title. No other team in the division is better than .500, and the rest of the division combined has six wins to the Titans' five.

A lot of the thanks for that can be attributed to Henry's brilliance.