The New Orleans Saints have officially parted ways with veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who has cleared waivers and is now available for any interested team, including the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cooks, once a standout player for the Saints, has seen a decline in his performance this season, making him a potential fit for teams in need of receiving depth.
Cooks was a key player in New Orleans, especially among the original trio alongside Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. However, with Shaheed traded to the Seattle Seahawks at the deadline, the Saints’ receiver lineup now largely relies on Olave. Unfortunately for Cooks, his recent performances have not lived up to expectations. In ten games this season, he has recorded only 19 catches for 165 yards, marking one of the most challenging seasons of his career.
Last year, while playing for the Dallas Cowboys, Cooks also struggled to find his rhythm, finishing the season with 26 receptions for 259 yards and three touchdowns over just ten games. The Steelers have been actively looking for wide receiver help, particularly to enhance their downfield passing attack, but attempts to acquire a new player at the trade deadline did not yield results. They recently signed Marquez Valdes-Scantling, although he has yet to make an appearance on the field.
As Brandin Cooks enters the open market, his experience and prior success could be valuable for a team willing to take a chance on reviving his career. While he may be navigating a downturn, the right environment and opportunity could lead to a resurgence.