Brandin Cooks is back where it all began. After a roller-coaster career through the NFL, the veteran wide receiver has re-signed with the New Orleans Saints, marking an exciting reunion eight years after the organization traded him to the New England Patriots.
On March 21, 2025, it was confirmed that Cooks agreed to a two-year deal worth $13 million, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. The signing comes as the Saints look to strengthen their receiving corps, especially after a challenging previous season where injuries plagued their roster.
Cooks was originally selected by New Orleans with the 20th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Oregon State. During his three seasons with the Saints, he stood out as a phenomenal talent, racking up 215 catches for 2,861 yards and 20 touchdowns. Those impressive numbers helped him secure two of his six career 1,000-yard seasons during his tenure with New Orleans.
However, following the selection of Michael Thomas, Cooks expressed his frustrations with his role in the offense, famously stating, "Closed mouths don't get fed." Eventually, this led to his trade to the Patriots after the 2016 season, where he would continue to make a name for himself across various franchises, including the Los Angeles Rams and the Houston Texans.
Most recently, Cooks spent the last two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, showcasing his unique skills but encountering significant hurdles along the way. His 2024 season was marred by health issues, as Cooks suffered a knee infection that limited him to just ten games. Last year, he caught only 26 passes for 259 yards and three touchdowns. After these challenges, many wondered what the future would hold for the seasoned receiver.
Despite these setbacks, Cooks remains a formidable presence on the field. He has accumulated a career total of 710 receptions for 9,532 yards and 60 touchdowns, making him one of the most consistent players at the position. He also made history as the first player in NFL history to achieve over 1,000 receiving yards in consecutive seasons with three separate teams – a remarkable feat that demonstrates his adaptability and skill.
With his return to the Saints, Cooks hopes to recapture the magic from his earlier days in New Orleans. He joins a receiving group that includes Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, both of whom faced injury struggles last season. The Saints are optimistic that Cooks can provide the experience and depth necessary to bolster their passing game under the leadership of quarterback Derek Carr and new offensive strategy crafted by head coach Kellen Moore.
This reunion embodies more than just a contract signing; it represents a homecoming for Cooks. Reflecting on his journey, he has persevered through the challenges of life in the NFL, continuously proving his worth despite changing teams and roles. After a one-year hiatus from New Orleans, fans and teammates alike are eager to see how Cooks can influence the Saints' success going forward.
As Cooks steps back onto the field wearing the black and gold, he carries with him a wealth of experience from two Super Bowl appearances, valuable lessons learned, and the drive to help lead his team to championship glory. For the Saints and their loyal fanbase, it appears that the return of Brandin Cooks could mark the start of an exhilarating new chapter.
