Brandin Cooks Continues NFL Journey with Buffalo Bills Move

Veteran Receiver Finds New Home in Buffalo

The Bills on Tuesday signed wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who cleared waivers after agreeing to a release from the Saints. This signing represents a significant opportunity for both the 32-year-old receiver and the Buffalo franchise as they push for playoff success in the 2025 NFL season.

The move to Buffalo is particularly noteworthy as Cooks now joins the receiver room in Buffalo, marking the sixth team the former first round pick will play for. His journey through the NFL has been remarkable, having previously suited up for the Saints, Patriots, Rams, Texans, and Cowboys during his distinguished career.

A Homecoming That Didn’t Last

Brandin Cooks’ path to Buffalo began with a return to where it all started. Brandin Cooks returns to the team that drafted him in the first round (20th overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft. The New Orleans Saints signed him to a two-year contract in March 2025, bringing the veteran back for a second stint with the franchise.

However, the reunion proved short-lived. During his second stint in New Orleans this season, Cooks was limited to 19 receptions for 165 yards and no touchdowns on 25 targets over 10 games before being released last week. The Saints and Cooks mutually agreed to part ways, allowing him to seek opportunities with a playoff-contending team.

Impressive Career Credentials

Despite his recent struggles, Cooks brings an impressive résumé to Buffalo. Cooks has racked up 9,697 receiving yards, 60 touchdowns and 13.3 yards per catch during his career. His consistency over more than a decade has been exceptional, and Cooks has had six 1,000-yard seasons (2015-2018, 2020-2021) which ties for the fifth-most in the NFL since he was drafted in 2014.

Even more remarkably, he and Brandon Marshall are the only players in NFL history to record at least 1,000 receiving yards in a season with four different teams. This unique achievement demonstrates his ability to adapt to different offensive systems and quarterbacks throughout his career.

Impact on Buffalo’s Playoff Push

Buffalo has added a veteran in hopes of giving Josh Allen another much-needed option in the passing game. The Bills’ receiver room has dealt with inconsistency this season, making Cooks’ experience valuable despite his age and recent production concerns.

While Cooks made his Bills debut with limited impact—Cooks caught his lone target for 13 yards in Sunday’s 26-7 win over the Steelers—the team is banking on his playoff experience. He has three 100-yard performances in seven appearances; he did so once with the Patriots (2018) and twice with the Los Angeles Rams (2019).

Looking Ahead

As Buffalo continues their push towards the postseason, Brandin Cooks provides insurance and veteran leadership. Should he prove a capable addition down the stretch, perhaps he might even approach the 10,000-yard career mark; he currently sits at 9,697 yards and 60 TDs on 729 receptions in his career. For a player who has worn six different jerseys, this latest chapter could provide the fitting playoff run that has eluded him throughout much of his career. The Bills, sitting at 7-4 when Cooks was signed, hope his arrival can bolster their receiving corps at the perfect time for a championship push.