New Orleans Brings Back Former First-Round Pick to Bolster WR Corps
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Brandin Cooks is heading back to where it all started. The New Orleans Saints have signed their 2014 first-round pick to a two-year deal, reuniting the veteran wide receiver with the franchise that originally drafted him.
Saints general manager Mickey Loomis announced the move on Friday, bringing Cooks back after eight seasons away, during which he suited up for the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, and Dallas Cowboys.
A Speedster Returns
Now 30 years old, Cooks remains a deep-threat weapon thanks to his elite speed and aggressive ball-tracking skills. Over the past 11 seasons, he ranks fifth in the NFL in 40+ yard touchdown receptions (15), proving his ability to stretch defenses and make game-changing plays.
Throughout his 158-game career, Cooks has amassed:
- 710 receptions
- 9,532 receiving yards (13.4 yards per catch)
- 60 touchdowns
- Six 1,000-yard seasons
His versatility and big-play ability should provide a valuable boost to a Saints offense that has been searching for reliable production alongside Chris Olave.
Last Season Cut Short in Dallas
Cooks spent the last two years with the Dallas Cowboys, where he served as a complementary piece to CeeDee Lamb. In 2024, he posted 26 receptions for 259 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games before a knee injury ended his season prematurely.
Now, he gets a fresh start in New Orleans, where he previously played three seasons (2014-2016), racking up 215 catches, 2,861 yards, and 20 touchdowns in his first stint with the team.
What This Means for the Saints
With Derek Carr under center, the Saints have prioritized adding offensive weapons this offseason. Cooks’ return should bring much-needed speed and veteran leadership to a receiving corps that already features Olave and Rashid Shaheed.
Cooks may not be the dominant No. 1 option he once was, but he still commands respect from defenses and can open up space for other playmakers.
For the Saints and Cooks, this reunion is about unfinished business—and a chance to bring explosive plays back to the Big Easy.
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