NFL

Brandin Cooks Returns to New Orleans: Saints Sign Veteran WR to 2-Year Deal

March 21, 2025
Judium Media

With the official signing of wide receiver Brandin Cooks to a two-year contract, the New Orleans Saints are welcoming back a familiar face. 

Ahead of the 2025 NFL season, the transfer brings Cooks back to the team that selected him in the 2014 draft, giving them another seasoned playmaker to add to their attack.

A Full-Circle Moment for Brandin Cooks

In the 2014 NFL Draft, Cooks, 30, was selected in the first round (20th overall) and started his career with the Saints. Before being traded to the New England Patriots in 2017, he rapidly made a name for himself as a dynamic deep threat in three seasons in New Orleans, amassing 2,861 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns.

He has since played for a number of clubs, such as the Cowboys, Texans, and Rams, and has remained a dependable and effective receiver. Cooks returns to the Saints’ offense with speed, seasoned leadership, and big-play ability. He has over 8,900 career receiving yards and 57 touchdowns.

Why the Saints Made This Move

The Saints have been trying to reinforce their receiving corps with more weapons, especially someone who can separate and spread the field. With Michael Thomas’ future uncertain and Chris Olave developing as their top receiver, Cooks’ signing offers an experienced passing game complement.

Additionally, as the Saints look at improving their offensive approach in 2025, quarterback Derek Carr now has another reliable experienced target. New Orleans will have greater offensive scheme versatility thanks to Cooks’ ability to play both outside and in the slot.

What Cooks Brings to the Saints

  • Elite Speed: Cooks has long been known for his ability to take the top off defenses, making him a dangerous deep threat.
  • Consistency: Despite playing for multiple teams, he has recorded six 1,000-yard seasons in his career.
  • Experience: As a veteran receiver, he can mentor younger players like Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.
  • Familiarity with New Orleans: Having played in the Saints’ system before, Cooks already understands the team’s culture and expectations.

Can Cooks Help the Saints Get Back to the Playoffs?

A playmaker like Cooks would help New Orleans’ offense, which has missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons. The Saints will have a much-needed weapon to support Derek Carr and the passing game if he can continue to be healthy and effective.

The Saints intend to compete in a wide-open NFC South with a potent defense and a revamped offense. Their comeback to postseason contention may depend on bringing back Brandin Cooks.