With speculation at a high as the 2025 NFL free agency period begins, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer suggests the New Orleans Saints could be interested in bringing back a familiar face — a receiver on the verge of surpassing 10,000 career receiving yards.
Saints Exploring a Reunion With Brandin Cooks?
In his Sports Illustrated article on takeaways from a wild weekend in NFL contracts and transactions, Breer wrote:
“Speaking of the Saints, I wouldn’t be floored if they make a run at bringing Brandin Cooks back after all these years. Cooks can still run and would be a nice complementary piece to what New Orleans has in Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Alvin Kamara.”
Originally drafted by the Saints in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Cooks quickly became a key part of New Orleans’ offense. During his three-year run, he totaled more than 2,300 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. His speed and agility made him a favorite target for Drew Brees.
After leaving New Orleans, Cooks had his two best seasons in 2017 with the New England Patriots, averaging a career-best 16.6 yards per catch, and in 2018 with the Los Angeles Rams, when he racked up a career-high 1,272 yards from scrimmage.
Cooks’ latest stint with the Dallas Cowboys had mixed results. In 2023, he helped Dak Prescott and the Dallas offense set franchise records, but injuries hampered the unit in 2024. Judging by his comments to senior NFL insider Josina Anderson, Cooks wasn’t happy with his role in Dallas, stating, “I don’t think they fully used me to my strengths.”
Just spoke with impending free agent #Cowboys WR Brandin Cooks on the phone:
"I'm expecting a good free agency since this is the first time that I would be a free agent in my career, but I'm also open to returning to Dallas. At the end of the day I'm just trying to win. I am… pic.twitter.com/8t3cNw7KXb
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 8, 2025
What makes Cooks an appealing free agent option is his ability to adapt and succeed in different systems despite the disconnect in Dallas.
Why the Saints Might Be Interested in Cooks
Cooks could serve as both a veteran mentor and reliable target for Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. His experience and speed would add depth, leadership, and versatility to the Saints’ passing attack.
Cooks’ previous success with New Orleans and familiarity with the team and city could make for a smooth transition. That comfort factor could be a big plus for a Saints team looking to stabilize its offense and improve scoring production.
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Cooks is also a cost-effective option, with a projected market value of around $5 million on a one-year contract, according to Spotrac. Given New Orleans’ tight salary cap, Cooks could be one of the best budget-friendly signings in free agency.