Brandin Cooks is Ready to Pick Back Up Where It All Started

Brandin Cooks is making a remarkable return to the organization where his NFL journey first began, as the New Orleans Saints have officially announced the signing of the seasoned wide receiver. Saints Executive Vice President and General Manager Mickey Loomis confirmed today that the team has reached an agreement with unrestricted free agent Brandin Cooks, sealing a two-year, $13 million contract that re-establishes a connection between the player and the franchise that drafted him.

Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 190 pounds, Cooks brings with him a wealth of experience gained over an impressive 11-year career in the NFL. He was initially selected by the Saints in the first round, as the 20th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, after a standout collegiate career at Oregon State. During his three productive seasons with the Saints, Cooks showcased his skills in 42 games, starting 31 of them. He amassed a total of 215 receptions for 2,861 yards, averaging an impressive 13.3 yards per catch, and found the end zone 20 times. Additionally, he demonstrated his versatility by carrying the ball 21 times for 121 yards—an average of 5.8 yards per carry—and scoring once more on the ground.

Throughout his extensive career, Cooks has suited up for 158 games, with 144 of those as a starter. His career journey has taken him from the New Orleans Saints (2014–2016) to the New England Patriots (2017), the Los Angeles Rams (2018–2019), the Houston Texans (2020–2022), and, most recently, the Dallas Cowboys (2023–2024). Over this span, he has compiled impressive totals, including 710 receptions for 9,532 yards, averaging 13.4 yards per catch, and scoring 60 touchdowns. Furthermore, Cooks has demonstrated remarkable consistency by notching six seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards, which is tied for the fifth-most in the NFL since he was drafted in 2014. His explosive playmaking ability is highlighted by the fact that he ranks fifth in the league for the most receiving touchdowns of 40 yards or more during that time, with a total of 15.

A unique aspect of Cooks’ career is his impressive ability to adapt, as he has transitioned through four different franchises and yet remains one of the few players in NFL history—alongside Brandon Marshall—to register at least 1,000 receiving yards in a single season with four distinct teams. This accomplishment speaks to both his skill and resilience.

In the 2024 season, Cooks faced challenges while playing in ten games for Dallas, making nine starts and securing 26 receptions for 259 yards along with three touchdowns before suffering a knee injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. His role with the Saints, now that he’s back in New Orleans, remains uncertain. Even at this stage of his career, however, it is anticipated that Cooks will provide significant value as a deep threat, leveraging his speed and experience to stretch defenses and create opportunities for both himself and his teammates.