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Brandin Cooks:Stunning Shake-Up: Saints Waive Brandin Cooks After Second Stint
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Stunning Shake-Up: Saints Waive Brandin Cooks After Second Stint
The New Orleans Saints have made a surprising roster move, officially parting ways with veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks. The decision, first reported by multiple outlets, marks the end of Cooks’ second chapter with the franchise that originally drafted him.
You can read the original report here:
👉 NBC Sports – Saints Waive Brandin Cooks
Saints Release Cooks After Trade Deadline
Cooks was released after the NFL trade deadline, which means he will now pass through the waiver wire. If any team submits a claim, Cooks could land with a new organization as early as Thursday.
This move comes as a surprise to many Saints fans who expected his veteran presence to be a steady part of the offense.
- Positive sentiment: Cooks now has a chance to join a contender that needs a reliable, speedy receiver.
- Negative sentiment: Saints fans are disappointed to lose a familiar and dependable playmaker, especially during a season with inconsistent offensive production.
Brandin Cooks’ 2025 Season in New Orleans
During his return to New Orleans, Cooks appeared in every game this season and started three of them. He recorded:
- 19 receptions
- 165 receiving yards
Though not earth-shattering numbers, Cooks provided experience, leadership, and versatility—qualities many teams still value highly.
A Look Back: Cooks’ Journey Through the NFL
Brandin Cooks’ professional story has been one of both high production and constant movement. His career timeline includes:
- Drafted by the Saints (2014) – Made an immediate impact over three seasons.
- Traded to the New England Patriots – Played a key role in their offense.
- Moved to the Los Angeles Rams – Helped power an explosive offensive unit.
- Joined the Houston Texans – Served as their most dependable receiver.
- Signed with the Dallas Cowboys – Added speed and depth to their receiving corps.
- Returned to the New Orleans Saints (2025) – A short-lived but meaningful second stint.
With multiple 1,000-yard seasons across several teams, Cooks remains one of the most consistently productive wide receivers of his era.
What This Means for the Saints — and for Cooks
For the Saints:
The release opens a roster spot and signals a potential shift toward developing younger receivers. Still, losing Cooks removes a veteran deep threat who could stretch defenses.
For Cooks:
He now has a chance to sign with a playoff contender or a team in desperate need of receiving help. At 32, he may still have enough speed and skill to make an immediate impact elsewhere.