Brandin Cooks Returns to Saints: Veteran WR Feels 'Incredible' and Ready to Prove His Worth

After overcoming injuries, Brandin Cooks returns to the Saints for his second stint, ready to prove he's still an elite NFL receiver.

The Resilient Return of a Veteran Playmaker

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks is back where his NFL journey began, and he's determined to show he's still a top-tier offensive weapon. The 31-year-old receiver signed a two-year, $13 million deal with the Saints, marking an emotional homecoming after stints with five other teams.

Overcoming Adversity

Cooks' 2024 season with the Dallas Cowboys was derailed by complications from a knee procedure:

  • Missed 7 consecutive games (Weeks 5-11) due to infection
  • Finished with career-low 26 catches for 259 yards
  • Underwent advanced treatments including Regenokine and stem cell therapy

"My body feels incredible now," Cooks told ESPN. "I've always invested heavily in maintenance and recovery, but sometimes timing works against you."

A Productive NFL Journey

Cooks' career has been marked by both production and movement:

  • 2014-2016: Productive first stint with Saints (215 rec, 2,861 yds, 20 TDs)
  • 2017: Traded to Patriots (1,082 yds, 7 TDs, Super Bowl appearance)
  • 2018-2019: Rams tenure included another Super Bowl trip
  • 2020-2022: Houston Texans starter
  • 2023-2024: Brief Cowboys tenure before return to New Orleans

The Perfect Homecoming

Several factors made the Saints reunion appealing:

  1. Derek Carr connection (both 2014 draft classmates)
  2. Familiarity with front office (Mickey Loomis still GM)
  3. New sports science director Ted Wrath (worked together with Rams)
  4. WR coach Keith Williams (longstanding relationship since college recruitment)

"Walking back into that facility with my wife and kids... it was a full-circle moment," Cooks reflected. "Last time I was here, I was just a kid with potential. Now I'm returning as a proven veteran."

Looking Ahead

While Cooks avoids setting specific statistical goals, his mindset is clear:

  • Wants to demonstrate technical refinement from 11 NFL seasons
  • Focused on showing better version of himself than 2016 departure
  • Plans to extend career through elite body maintenance
  • Excited about passing game potential with Carr and Chris Olave

"My only goal is to put my best football on tape at Year 12," Cooks said. "I believe I have many productive years left if I continue this process."

What to Read Next

New Orleans Saints QB Battle Heats Up: Shough, Rattler, and Haener Vie for Starting Role
NFL

New Orleans Saints QB Battle Heats Up: Shough, Rattler, and Haener Vie for Starting Role

The New Orleans Saints' quarterback competition intensifies as Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener battle for the starting role in training camp.

Strategic NFL Trades to Watch: Five Deals That Could Reshape the 2025 Season
NFL

Strategic NFL Trades to Watch: Five Deals That Could Reshape the 2025 Season

Explore five strategic NFL trades that could significantly impact team rosters and performance in the 2025 season. From pass rush boosts to cornerback depth, these deals make sense for all involved.

Abdul Carter Shines in Giants Training Camp: A Rising Star in the NFL
NFL

Abdul Carter Shines in Giants Training Camp: A Rising Star in the NFL

Abdul Carter impresses at New York Giants training camp, showcasing his versatility and potential as a future NFL star.

Matt LaFleur's Strategy to Harmonize the Packers' Crowded Wide Receiver Room in 2025 NFL Season
NFL

Matt LaFleur's Strategy to Harmonize the Packers' Crowded Wide Receiver Room in 2025 NFL Season

Explore how Coach Matt LaFleur plans to manage the Green Bay Packers' crowded wide receiver lineup to foster team success and harmony in the 2025 NFL season.

Dre Greenlaw: The Mike Tyson of the NFL Joins Broncos to Elevate Their Defense
NFL

Dre Greenlaw: The Mike Tyson of the NFL Joins Broncos to Elevate Their Defense

Discover how Dre Greenlaw, likened to Mike Tyson, is set to transform the Denver Broncos' defense under Sean Payton's leadership.

Packers Training Camp Heats Up: LaFleur's Discipline and Rising Stars
NFL

Packers Training Camp Heats Up: LaFleur's Discipline and Rising Stars

Explore the latest from the Packers' training camp as Matt LaFleur enforces discipline and new stars emerge in Green Bay.

Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp 2025: Key Highlights, Player Insights, and Surprising Moments
NFL

Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp 2025: Key Highlights, Player Insights, and Surprising Moments

Explore the latest updates from the Philadelphia Eagles' 2025 training camp, featuring standout performances, player battles, and unexpected moments.

Top Late-Round NFL Draft Picks to Dominate Your Fantasy League in 2025
NFL

Top Late-Round NFL Draft Picks to Dominate Your Fantasy League in 2025

Discover the top late-round NFL draft picks that can give your fantasy football team the edge in the 2025 season.

NFL's Top Under-25 Talent Rankings: Which Teams Are Set for Future Success?
NFL

NFL's Top Under-25 Talent Rankings: Which Teams Are Set for Future Success?

Discover which NFL teams boast the best under-25 talent, highlighting the young stars set to shape the league's future.

New York Jets' $250M Investment in Gardner and Wilson: What’s Next for the Team?
NFL

New York Jets' $250M Investment in Gardner and Wilson: What’s Next for the Team?

The New York Jets have invested heavily in Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson. Explore what this means for the team's future and the challenges ahead in managing their roster and contracts.

Josh Hines-Allen Eyes NFL Sack Record Amidst Personal Triumph
NFL

Josh Hines-Allen Eyes NFL Sack Record Amidst Personal Triumph

Jacksonville Jaguars' Josh Hines-Allen sets his sights on breaking the NFL single-season sack record, fueled by personal resilience and professional ambition.

Vikings' Dynamic Backfield: How Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason Will Shape the 2025 NFL Season
NFL

Vikings' Dynamic Backfield: How Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason Will Shape the 2025 NFL Season

Explore how the Minnesota Vikings plan to utilize Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason in their 2025 NFL season backfield strategy.

Rashawn Slater's Return and Chargers' Training Camp Highlights: A Deep Dive into NFL Preparations
NFL

Rashawn Slater's Return and Chargers' Training Camp Highlights: A Deep Dive into NFL Preparations

Explore the latest from the Chargers' training camp as Rashawn Slater returns from injury and the team gears up for the NFL season. Insights on key players and camp dynamics.

Rookie Sensation Dont'e Thornton Jr. Shines with 70-Yard TD in Raiders Training Camp
NFL

Rookie Sensation Dont'e Thornton Jr. Shines with 70-Yard TD in Raiders Training Camp

Rookie wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. makes a stunning 70-yard touchdown catch during the Las Vegas Raiders' training camp, showcasing his potential to be a key player in the upcoming NFL season.

Houston Texans Training Camp 2025: Key Updates on Offensive Line and Player Performances
NFL

Houston Texans Training Camp 2025: Key Updates on Offensive Line and Player Performances

Get the latest updates from the Houston Texans' 2025 training camp, focusing on the offensive line's performance, key player injuries, and standout moments.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.