The Patriots need more receiver depth, and an intriguing option reportedly hit the open market on Wednesday.
Veteran wideout Brandin Cooks and the New Orleans Saints mutually agreed to part ways, according to NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill. Cooks, who turned 32 in September, now is free to sign with any team.
The Saints and Brandin Cooks have mutually agreed to part ways, according to a source. Cooks will be a free agent
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) November 19, 2025
So, should the Patriots reunite with Cooks, who racked up 1,082 yards and seven touchdowns for New England in 2017?
Well, it’s complicated.
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Cooks obviously is on the back nine and surely will consider retirement this offseason. His production has declined in each of the last four campaigns, including just 259 yards last season for the Dallas Cowboys and 165 yards in 10 games this season for the Saints. While still fast and a savvy route-runner, Cooks no longer is a dangerous receiver and currently is posting the lowest usage rates and Pro Football Focus grades of his career.
As such, he would slot in at the bottom of New England’s wideout depth chart, which currently features rookies Kyle Williams and Efton Chism III as the fifth and sixth options, respectively. With Williams obviously going nowhere, the addition of Cooks would force the Patriots either to waive Chism or roster seven receivers — both undesirable outcomes.
Would this version of Cooks be worth it?
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We say “yes,” but it’s close.
Chism clearly isn’t ready to contribute to the offense, and Williams, thus far, has been unable to grasp Josh McDaniels’ offense and develop chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye. As Kayshon Boutte’s recent absences showed, the Patriots are one receiver injury away from having to rely upon overmatched rookies.
That would be fine if New England were floundering and focusing on the future. But the 9-2 Patriots are legitimate Super Bowl contenders and should be aggressive in improving their depth, especially at key skill positions.
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The Patriots wouldn’t sign Cooks with the intention of making him a top-three option. But if injuries eventually force their hand, they could do worse than a receiver who’s experienced in McDaniels’ offense and has six 1,000-yard seasons under his belt.
