Saints’ reunion with Brandin Cooks takes a turn many didn’t see coming, and it’s a win for New Orleans
Brandin Cooks will look for a fresh start.
The New Orleans Saints are saying goodbye to wide receiver Brandin Cooks once again. The 32-year-old pass catcher has been a reliable third down target at times this season, but his impact has not been a major one for Kellen Moore’s unit so far.
Saints and veteran WR Brandin Cooks agree to part ways
According to reports, the Saints and Brandin Cooks have mutually agreed to part ways. Cooks will head elsewhere, as the Saints move off a peculiar decision from the offseason to bring him in on a two-year contract. The reunion has not gone quite as hoped for, and now, each side gets a fresh start again.
The experienced WR has seen his role diminish a bit in recent weeks and was on the field for just 50% of snaps during the team’s Week 10 win over the Carolina Panthers. That was notable due to the trade of Rashid Shaheed shortly before. His absence did not open up more looks for Cooks.
The Saints were on bye week last week, so conversations about his future probably happened while the team was off.
Salary cap relief for 2026 makes this a great move for New Orleans
Cooks was set to hold a $8 million cap hit for next season in 2026. Cooks renegotiated his contract down to facilitate his release, according to Nick Underhill. That should provide some cap relief for New Orleans, and it allows the veteran wide receiver to potentially join a contending team.
This move also opens the door for more targets for Devaughn Vele, who projects as a notable pass catching piece in the WR room for next season. Other young options like Mason Tipton and Kevin Austin Jr. could see an uptick in playing time for the remainder of this season. Trey Palmer and Ja’Lynn Polk are two other receivers who are currently injured but may play a role in the long-term for Kellen Moore’s team.
As of now, the Saints have just three wideouts on the active roster. I expect that they will bring at least one up from the practice squad ahead of Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons. New Orleans may also look to the free agent market simply for depth at WR.
New Orleans Saints News
New Orleans Saints are expected to play a game in Paris, and it could happen sooner rather than later
Saints football may go international in 2026.
