The New Orleans Saints have made an unexpected move by releasing veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks following their bye week. This decision arrives after a season of mixed performance from Cooks, who has been a significant part of the team since 2014.
Struggles on the Field
Throughout the current season, Brandin Cooks has encountered challenges in production. Over 10 games, he has managed to secure only 19 passes for 165 yards. Despite being on the field for 65% of the offensive snaps, he struggled to make a meaningful impact.
Trade Speculations
Prior to the trade deadline, there were substantial rumors regarding Cooks’ availability. However, New Orleans opted to trade Rashid Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks instead, acquiring two draft picks in return. Cooks reflected on this in a recent statement:
- “If it happens, it happens.”
- “For me, personally, I just know I can play at a high level.”
- “It’s been frustrating with the minimum opportunities, but I just know to grind.”
A Glance at Cooks’ Career
Brandin Cooks was selected by the Saints in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He was later traded to the New England Patriots in exchange for two picks, which helped the Saints acquire key players like offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk and defensive end Trey Hendrickson.
Career Statistics
Over his 12-year career, Cooks has played for five different teams and has accumulated impressive statistics:
- 729 receptions
- 9,697 receiving yards
As the Saints move forward without Cooks, the decision highlights the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of professional football. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team adjusts in the coming games.
