Brandin Cooks’ long NFL journey has taken another turn. The veteran wide receiver was released by the New Orleans Saints after an underwhelming 2025 stint that produced limited production and a shrinking role.
The Saints signed him earlier in the year, hoping his familiarity with the franchise would add stability to a transitional offense. Instead, he finished with minimal impact as the team shifted toward younger receivers and began reshaping its offensive identity.
With declining usage and the Saints pushing forward with a different plan, both sides agreed to move on. Cooks is still one of the more experienced receivers available. He has a long history of versatility, big-play flashes, and consistency across multiple systems.
Now that he is a free agent again, several teams make sense as landing spots based on need, fit, and scheme familiarity. Here are the five strongest options:
New England Patriots
The Patriots immediately jump out as the most natural fit. Cooks already succeeded in New England earlier in his career, producing a 1,000-yard season in their system. The Patriots need veterans in their receiver room and lack a reliable deep target who can complement their developing offense.
Cooks already knows the structure and expectations in New England, which reduces transition time and makes him an instant contributor. His experience and route discipline match exactly what the Patriots want from their perimeter players.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams are another logical match. Cooks played some of his best football under Sean McVay and understands how to operate in that scheme. Los Angeles has star power in Puka Nacua, but needs depth behind him.
Injuries have hit their receiver group in recent years, and adding another veteran ensures stability. Cooks’ speed and vertical ability fit perfectly with Matthew Stafford’s willingness to attack downfield. This is one of the cleanest schematic fits on the board.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh is going to be mentioned frequently in discussions about Cooks. The Steelers need a stable veteran presence around their young pass catchers. Their offense struggles with consistency, and adding a proven route runner with experience can help balance the unit.
Cooks fits well as a secondary or rotational option who can handle specific matchups and provide leadership. His reliability would be valuable in late-season situations.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo is always searching for receiving help around its top options. They need more speed and depth, and Cooks provides both without demanding a large role. He can be a situational threat who forces defenses to stay alert.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers have young talent but lack veteran guidance in their receiver group. Cooks adds experience. He also adds situational awareness to an offense still developing its identity. He would not need heavy volume, which suits him at this stage of his career.
Green Bay benefits from having a player who can help stabilize key downs and support its emerging quarterback.
Cooks will likely have plenty of options to choose from. This will be an interesting storyline to follow in the coming weeks to see which team presents a better offer to the veteran.
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