The New Orleans Saints have made a major move by reuniting with veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks, signing him to a two-year, $13 million contract. Originally drafted by the Saints in the first round in 2014, Cooks now returns to New Orleans with over a decade of NFL experience and a proven ability to stretch the field.
Boosting a Thinned-Out Receiving Corps
Cooks’ return comes at a pivotal time for the Saints, who have seen a mix of departures and injury concerns in their wide receiver group. Former Saints receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling recently signed with the Seattle Seahawks, leaving a hole in the depth chart. Meanwhile, young talents like Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed have both struggled with injury issues throughout the past season. According to a recent report, bolstering the receiver position was one of the team’s top draft priorities.
Bringing in Cooks provides much-needed veteran leadership and experience to stabilize the position group. His familiarity with the franchise and ability to mentor younger receivers make him a valuable locker room presence as well.
A Proven Playmaker
Throughout his NFL career, Cooks has remained one of the league’s most productive and reliable wideouts. He has totaled 710 receptions for 9,532 yards and 60 touchdowns over 158 games. Most recently with the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, he recorded 54 catches for 657 yards and eight touchdowns. Though his 2024 season was hampered by injuries—limiting him to just 26 receptions for 259 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games—he has shown he can still be an impact player when healthy.
Strategic Fit in the Saints’ Offense
Cooks is known for his speed, precise route-running, and ability to stretch defenses vertically—traits that the Saints offense has lacked at times in recent seasons. His versatility allows him to line up both outside and in the slot, giving quarterback Derek Carr a dynamic weapon to target on all levels of the field.
Moreover, Cooks’ veteran presence can help elevate the game of younger players like Olave and Shaheed, giving the team a more well-rounded and explosive passing attack. His signing signals a shift toward greater offensive balance and depth as the Saints prepare for the 2025 season.
By bringing back Brandin Cooks, the Saints are showing a commitment to reloading their offense with both experience and speed. Cooks may not be the same player he was in 2014, but he brings enough savvy and skill to make an immediate impact. For a team looking to return to playoff contention, his presence could be exactly what the offense needs.
For more on the Saints’ offseason moves, check out Fleur-de-Links: March 11.
