The New Orleans Saints have released wide receiver Brandin Cooks, the team announced on Wednesday. Cooks has 19 receptions for 165 yards and zero touchdowns in 10 games.
If Cooks is unclaimed on waivers, he will become a free agent. Which teams should make a play for the veteran receiver? Here are three teams that should sign Cooks.
New England Patriots
Brandin Cooks wants to remain with Patriots for rest of career. https://t.co/5jewBtNs8Z pic.twitter.com/o6r50AjLNJ
— theScore (@theScore) November 22, 2017
Could Cooks return to one of his former teams?
After spending the first three seasons of his career with the Saints, Cooks was traded to the New England Patriots during the 2017 season.
In his lone season in New England, Cooks hauled in 65 receptions for 1,082 yards and seven touchdowns.
New England’s pass-catchers this season have been erratic. Outside of Stefon Diggs, New England’s next three receivers — Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and DeMario Douglas — have had their ups and downs. None of the trio has surpassed 432 yards receiving.
At 9-2, the Patriots are a legitimate threat to secure the No. 1 seed in the AFC. If New England signs Cooks, it would be an insurance policy for a second or third option outside of Stefon Diggs.
If the Patriots want to play into February, adding more depth at wide receiver is never a bad thing.
Pittsburgh Steelers
We have signed WR John Rhys Plumlee to the practice and released S Jack Henderson from the practice squad. @BordasLaw https://t.co/J7yWFlSOMn
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 19, 2025
Will the Pittsburgh Steelers’ No. 2 wide receiver please stand up?
The Steelers have the 22nd-ranked passing offense (198.7 yards per game) in the NFL. One of the reasons behind their struggles is the failure to find a steady second wide receiver.
Wide receiver DK Metcalf is the clear top option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Behind Metcalf, Rodgers has been relying on running back Jaylen Warren and tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
Wide receiver Calvin Austin III ranks third on the team in receiving yards (242). Still, the Steelers’ receiving production outside of Metcalf has been underwhelming.
Cooks gives Rodgers a steady target that he can rely on. Additionally, Rodgers typically works better with veterans than rookies.
Baltimore Ravens
Coach Harbaugh with an update on Lamar Jackson pic.twitter.com/s7iQaK8IPJ
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 19, 2025
Every year, the Baltimore Ravens seemingly have a problem with wide receiver depth.
Zay Flowers is having a nice season with 53 receptions for 703 yards and one touchdown. Tight end Mark Andrews leads the team with five touchdown receptions.
The other receivers have been rather disappointing.
DeAndre Hopkins and Rashod Bateman have combined for a meager 29 receptions and 413 receiving yards.
At this stage in his career, Cooks is not a savior. However, he could help improve the Ravens’ passing attack, which needs more production from players other than Flowers or Andrews.
