Brandin Cooks: Veteran Wide Receiver Finds New Life with Buffalo Bills in Playoff Push

12 January 2026 Sports

Introduction: A Career Resurgence at the Right Time

At 32 years old, veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks has proven that experience and determination can still make a significant impact in the NFL. After signing with the Buffalo Bills in late November, Cooks initially played a minimal role, but his recent performances have demonstrated why playoff-bound teams value proven talent. In the Bills’ 27-24 wild-card victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cooks caught three of five targets for 58 yards, continuing his late-season surge that has made him a valuable asset for Buffalo’s championship aspirations.

From Struggles to Success: Cooks’ Journey This Season

During his second stint with the New Orleans Saints this season, Cooks was limited to 19 receptions for 165 yards and no touchdowns on 25 targets over 10 games before being cut. The future looked uncertain for a receiver who had previously enjoyed six 1,000-yard seasons throughout his distinguished career. However, Cooks signed a one-year, $1,255,000 contract with the Buffalo Bills, joining his sixth NFL team in a 12-year career that has included stops with the Saints, Patriots, Rams, Texans and Cowboys.

Cooks had a breakout game in Week 17 against the Philadelphia Eagles, recording four catches for 101 yards on six targets. This performance marked a dramatic turnaround from his first four appearances with Buffalo, where he managed just one reception. Over his last two games, Cooks has delivered a 7-159-0 line on 11 targets while providing a downfield threat to complement possession receiver Khalil Shakir.

Playoff Impact and Future Significance

Cooks’ timing couldn’t be better for Buffalo’s playoff run. The 32-year-old has postseason experience, recording 35 receptions for 494 yards across seven career playoff games. In the wild-card victory, Cooks got open for a 36-yard gain just before the two-minute warning in the fourth quarter, helping to set up a one-yard touchdown by Josh Allen for the game-winning score.

For Bills fans and NFL observers alike, Cooks’ resurgence offers an important reminder: veteran players with proven track records can still deliver crucial moments when it matters most. As Buffalo continues its playoff journey, Cooks’ experience and recent form provide the team with a reliable downfield option at precisely the right moment in the season.