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Saints Reunion Ripped as 'Worst' Free Agent Signing
Brandin Cooks' return to New Orleans was short-lived and unproductive, according to Pro Football Focus.
Feb. 4, 2026 at 8:39am
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The New Orleans Saints brought back veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks on a two-year, $13 million deal ahead of the 2025 season, hoping to reunite him with the team where he started his career. However, Cooks struggled, posting just 19 catches for 165 yards and zero touchdowns in 10 games before the Saints ultimately released him. Pro Football Focus named the Cooks signing the Saints' "worst" free agent move of the offseason.
Why it matters
The Saints were looking to add offensive firepower to complement Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, but the Cooks reunion failed to pay dividends. The team had to cut ties with a player they had invested significant contract money into, which is generally not the desired outcome for teams in free agency.
The details
Cooks began his career with the Saints from 2014-2016 before being traded to the New England Patriots. He then became a journeyman, playing for several teams, before the Saints brought him back on a two-year, $13 million deal. However, Cooks struggled mightily, posting a 54.9 PFF receiving grade and just 0.58 yards per route run over the first 10 games of the 2025 season. The Saints ultimately released Cooks, and he finished the year with the Buffalo Bills.
- The Saints signed Cooks to a two-year, $13 million deal ahead of the 2025 season.
- Cooks played in 10 games for the Saints in 2025 before being released.
- Cooks spent the rest of the 2025 season with the Buffalo Bills.
The players
Brandin Cooks
A veteran wide receiver who began his career with the New Orleans Saints from 2014-2016 before becoming a journeyman across the NFL.
Chris Olave
A wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints who was expected to be a key part of the team's offense in 2025.
Rashid Shaheed
A wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints who was expected to be a key part of the team's offense in 2025.
What they’re saying
“Worst: WR Brandin Cooks. The former Saint came back to New Orleans on a two-year deal worth $13 million, but he totaled a 54.9 PFF receiving grade with a measly 0.58 yards per route run over the first 10 games. Subsequently, the team waived him, and he spent the rest of the year with the Bills. Having to cut ties with a player in whom you invested that type of contract definitely isn't what teams desire.”
— Bradley Locker, Pro Football Focus
The takeaway
The Saints' attempt to reunite with former wide receiver Brandin Cooks on a lucrative free agent deal proved to be a major disappointment, as Cooks struggled mightily in his limited playing time in New Orleans. This signing was ultimately deemed the team's "worst" free agent move of the 2025 offseason, highlighting the risks and challenges teams face when trying to recapture past success with veteran players.
