Free-agent WR Brandin Cooks is signing a two-year, $13 million deal with the New Orleans Saints, per source.

In a surprising turn of events, free-agent wide receiver Brandin Cooks has agreed to a two-year, $13 million contract with the New Orleans Saints, as reported by sources close to the situation. This move marks the return of the veteran receiver to the franchise that drafted him back in 2014, where he spent his first three seasons in the NFL. For both Cooks and the Saints, this deal carries significant implications, as it reunites one of the league’s most explosive wideouts with a team that has undergone major changes in recent years.

As the offseason continues to unfold, the addition of Cooks is viewed as a key move for a Saints team looking to regain its competitive edge in the NFC. For Cooks, this deal represents a fresh start after stints with multiple teams, and an opportunity to showcase his skills once again in a familiar environment.

Cooks’ Journey in the NFL: From New Orleans to Now

Brandin Cooks was drafted by the Saints in the first round (20th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft. Over his first three seasons in New Orleans, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic receivers. Cooks’ speed, quickness, and ability to stretch the field made him a dangerous weapon in the Saints’ high-powered offense led by legendary quarterback Drew Brees.

During his time with the Saints, Cooks recorded over 1,100 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons, including a career-high 1,173 yards in 2016. His 2015 campaign, where he caught 84 passes for 1,138 yards and 9 touchdowns, cemented his status as one of the top young wideouts in the NFL.

However, after a 2016 season that saw Cooks post impressive numbers, the Saints made the decision to trade him to the New England Patriots in a deal that shocked many. The Saints received the 32nd overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and a third-round pick in exchange for Cooks, signaling the end of his first stint in New Orleans.

From there, Cooks’ career took a few unexpected turns. He spent a season with the Patriots, helping the team reach Super Bowl LII, where they ultimately lost to the Philadelphia Eagles. The following offseason, Cooks was traded again, this time to the Los Angeles Rams. Cooks continued to produce at a high level for the Rams, including a 1,204-yard season in 2018. However, after three seasons with the Rams, Cooks was traded once more, this time to the Houston Texans, where he spent the last two seasons.

Throughout his career, Cooks has been known for his ability to stretch the field, his speed, and his reliability as a deep threat. While injuries have occasionally slowed his progress, when healthy, Cooks has consistently been one of the most dangerous wide receivers in the league.

Why the Saints Are Bringing Cooks Back

The New Orleans Saints are no strangers to high-profile moves in the offseason, and the addition of Brandin Cooks represents a calculated risk designed to add firepower to an offense that has experienced some changes in recent years.

With Drew Brees retiring following the 2020 season, the Saints’ offensive identity has shifted. Quarterback Jameis Winston, who took over the starting role in 2021, has proven to be an exciting but inconsistent player, while veteran Andy Dalton also saw time under center during the 2022 season. The Saints’ offense has struggled at times to maintain the explosiveness they had under Brees, but Cooks’ return could help reinvigorate that unit.

The Saints’ receiving corps has also been in a state of flux. While they have solid pieces in Michael Thomas and recent additions like Chris Olave, there has been a clear need for a consistent and reliable playmaker. Cooks’ speed and ability to take the top off defenses will give Winston or whoever is under center a legitimate deep threat, helping to open up the field for other receivers.

From a strategic perspective, Cooks’ familiarity with the Saints’ offensive system makes him a logical addition. He spent three seasons under head coach Sean Payton, and his understanding of the Saints’ playbook and culture should make his transition back to New Orleans relatively seamless. Cooks’ return also strengthens the connection between the Saints and their fans, as many will be excited to see one of their own back in the fold.

The Contract: What It Means for Cooks and the Saints

Brandin Cooks’ two-year, $13 million contract is a reasonable deal for both sides. For Cooks, the deal offers the stability of a multi-year commitment while providing the opportunity to prove he still has what it takes to be a top-tier wide receiver. At 30 years old, Cooks is entering the back end of his career, but he still possesses the speed and skill set that made him one of the league’s most explosive players earlier in his career.

The financial terms of the deal indicate that the Saints are not fully committing long-term to Cooks but are willing to see how he fits within the team’s current structure. The two-year term allows the Saints to evaluate Cooks’ performance and his fit within the offense, while still leaving flexibility for future moves. If Cooks can replicate his earlier success in New Orleans, the Saints may be able to extend him further or even build a new foundation around him.

For Cooks, the contract is a chance to re-establish himself as one of the league’s premier wide receivers. With the potential for a large role in the Saints’ offense, Cooks will have the opportunity to prove he can still be a dynamic playmaker. If he stays healthy and performs at a high level, he could earn another significant payday when his contract expires, or even secure a role with another team.

What Cooks Brings to the Saints

Brandin Cooks’ primary strength is his speed, and that is something the Saints have sorely lacked since his departure. Cooks is one of the fastest wide receivers in the NFL, capable of running past defenders and turning short passes into long gains. His ability to stretch the field vertically forces defenses to respect his deep-threat potential, which in turn opens up opportunities for other receivers and running backs to operate in the intermediate and short areas of the field.

Additionally, Cooks has proven to be a reliable route runner with excellent hands. Over the course of his career, he has averaged nearly 1,000 receiving yards per season and has been a consistent target for every quarterback he’s played with. His ability to make plays in the red zone and on third down will be crucial for a Saints offense that needs to find ways to score more efficiently.

Cooks also brings leadership and experience to the locker room. As a veteran player with a strong track record of success, he can mentor younger players like Chris Olave, who is entering his second season with the team. Olave has already shown flashes of brilliance, and Cooks’ presence could help him develop into a more complete receiver.

Finally, Cooks’ reunion with the Saints should provide a boost to the team’s overall chemistry. The Saints have seen their fair share of turnover in recent years, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Cooks’ return to New Orleans helps to restore some continuity and familiarity, which could help the team quickly hit its stride in 2023.

The Big Picture: How Cooks Fits Into the Saints’ Plans

The signing of Brandin Cooks is just one part of the larger picture for the New Orleans Saints, who are working to build a competitive team in the post-Brees era. With a strong defense and some promising young talent, the Saints believe they have the pieces to contend for a playoff spot in the NFC South. The addition of Cooks provides the team with another weapon in their offensive arsenal, and it’s clear that the organization believes he can help take their offense to the next level.

Cooks’ familiarity with the Saints’ system and his previous success in New Orleans should allow him to contribute immediately. His deep-threat ability, route-running precision, and leadership should have a positive impact on the team’s passing game. However, much of the Saints’ success will ultimately depend on the performance of their quarterbacks, especially Winston, who is expected to start in 2023.

As the offseason progresses, the Saints will look to make additional moves to strengthen their roster, but for now, the return of Brandin Cooks is a significant step toward retooling the offense. With Cooks in the fold, the Saints are poised to be a more dangerous team in 2023, and it will be interesting to see how he fits into the larger scheme of things as the season unfolds.

Looking Ahead

Brandin Cooks’ return to New Orleans is a story of both familiarity and potential. For Cooks, the opportunity to return to the franchise that first gave him his NFL break is a chance to prove that he still has plenty left to give. For the Saints, it’s a calculated move to add a dynamic playmaker to an offense that has struggled in recent seasons.

As the 2023 season approaches, all eyes will be on Cooks to see if he can replicate the success he had earlier in his career. If he can stay healthy and return to form, he could be a key factor in the Saints’ quest for playoff contention. The two-year, $13 million deal represents both a short-term investment and a long-term opportunity for both player and team.