Brandin Cooks Released: Everything We Know About the Saints’ Latest Roster Shakeup

The New Orleans Saints have released veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks, ending his second stint with the franchise. The move was confirmed Wednesday as the team continues reshaping its roster during a difficult 2–8 campaign. Cooks now heads to waivers and will become a free agent if unclaimed.

The decision marks another step in the Saints’ midseason overhaul after trading Rashid Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks earlier this month. With New Orleans shifting its focus to younger players, the front office chose to part ways with the 32-year-old receiver.

Brandin Cooks Released as Saints Turn Toward Youth Movement

Cooks signed a two-year, $13 million deal with the Saints ahead of the 2025 season, returning to the team that drafted him in the first round back in 2014. After productive stretches with the Patriots, Rams, Texans, and Cowboys, his homecoming was expected to bolster a thin receiving group and provide leadership for Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.

But the season quickly unraveled. Derek Carr retired following a shoulder injury, Shaheed was traded before the deadline, and the Saints struggled to generate consistent offensive production. Cooks played 65 percent of offensive snaps but produced the lowest statistical output of his career. In ten games, he recorded 19 catches on 25 targets for 165 yards and no touchdowns. This marks the first time he failed to find the end zone in a season.

According to multiple national reports from ESPN and other outlets, the Saints opted to release Cooks to create more opportunities for younger receivers. Options include Ronnie Bell, Kevin Austin Jr. from the practice squad, and Trey Palmer, who is nearing a return from injured reserve. With the team auditioning quarterbacks Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough, the organization appears committed to evaluating long-term pieces across the offense.

The Saints enter Week 11 after a morale-boosting win over the Carolina Panthers. They face the Atlanta Falcons next, but the rest of the season will likely be about development rather than playoff contention.

How Brandin Cooks’ Release Shapes the Saints’ Offense Going Forward

The departure of Brandin Cooks shifts the depth chart significantly. Without the veteran presence and route consistency he provided, the Saints must rely heavily on inexperienced options. This may accelerate the learning curve for Olave and Bell, who could receive expanded roles.

The move also signals that head coach and front office personnel are embracing a rebuild. At 2–8, New Orleans no longer benefits from keeping older players who aren’t central to the team’s future plans. Cooks’ release frees up offensive snaps and creates flexibility heading into the offseason.

Fans and league observers note that Cooks, despite limited 2025 production, still carries value as a veteran with six 1,000-yard seasons. If he clears waivers, he may draw interest from playoff-contending teams needing receiver depth.

Brandin Cooks’ release marks another turning point in the Saints’ season. As New Orleans leans into younger personnel, the veteran wideout now begins the next chapter of his NFL career, while the Saints continue rebuilding from the ground up.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why was Brandin Cooks released?

The Saints released Cooks to prioritize younger receivers and prepare for a long-term rebuild during a 2–8 season. His limited production also contributed to the decision.

Q2: What happens to Brandin Cooks now?

He will go through waivers. If unclaimed, he becomes a free agent and can sign with any team.

Q3: Who could replace Brandin Cooks in the lineup?

New Orleans may increase reps for Ronnie Bell, Kevin Austin Jr., and Trey Palmer once he returns from IR.

Q4: How did Brandin Cooks perform this season?

He logged 19 receptions for 165 yards in ten games, his lowest output and first touchdown-free season of his career.

Q5: Could a playoff team pursue Brandin Cooks?

Yes, several contenders may explore adding him if he reaches free agency due to his experience and past production.