New Orleans Saints Cut Ties with Brandin Cooks
The New Orleans Saints have decided to part ways with veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks, abruptly ending what was meant to be a triumphant homecoming for the player. The 32-year-old, who had returned to the Big Easy on a significant contract just months ago, has been placed on waivers. If he goes unclaimed, Cooks will become an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any team in the league.
A Homecoming That Failed to Deliver
Brandin Cooks signed a two-year contract worth up to $13 million with the Saints in March of this year. The move was seen as a sentimental return for the player, who was originally drafted by the Saints in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. However, the anticipated revival of his early-career success did not materialise.
His performance in the first half of the 2025 NFL season was notably underwhelming. Cooks ranked a distant fifth on the team in receptions, managing a meagre 19 catches for 165 yards and zero touchdowns. His contract included various incentives based on receptions, touchdowns, snap counts, and yardage, but he failed to trigger any of them. For a receiver once celebrated for his speed and ability to stretch defences, this output was a stark contrast to his prime years.
What's Next for Cooks and the Saints?
Over his 12 professional seasons, Brandin Cooks has built an impressive resume with 729 receptions, 9,697 receiving yards, and 60 touchdown catches. After his initial stint with the Saints, he was traded to the New England Patriots in the 2017 offseason for a first-round pick. He subsequently proved his worth with successful spells at the Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, and Dallas Cowboys, showcasing his elite route-running skills.
Now, at 32, he finds himself at a career crossroads. While his recent production has dipped, many believe he still has plenty to offer. Teams in need of a seasoned veteran presence in their wide receiver room are likely to consider adding him. It remains to be seen if he will join a Super Bowl contender for a championship run or seek a fresh start in a pass-heavy offensive system.
For the Saints, this is the second major shake-up in their receiver corps this year. Earlier, at the trade deadline, they dealt promising young talent Rashid Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for draft picks. This indicates a clear organisational pivot towards building a younger roster and creating salary cap flexibility. With the team holding a 4-6 record and still in the hunt for a wild-card playoff spot, General Manager Mickey Loomis faces challenging decisions to steer the franchise's future. All eyes are now on the waiver wire to see which team might claim Cooks.
