Saints 'Part Ways' With Notable Wide Receiver Before Sunday's Game

Originally posted on The Spun | By Daniel Bates | Last updated Nov 19, 2025 12:51 PM ET

After failing to get a deal done at the NFL's trade deadline, the New Orleans Saints are reportedly moving on for a second time from one of their top receivers.

The Saints have made it clear that they're looking to shed some salary as they continue their rebuild under head coach Kellen Moore. And because of that, they've now decided to part ways with veteran wideout Brandin Cooks.

Cooks was the 20th overall pick of New Orleans back in 2014 out of Oregon State and put together back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in his first three years with the team.

In 2017, he was traded to the Patriots for first and second round draft picks that turned into All-Pro tackle Ryan Ramczyk and defensive end Trey Hendrickson. Now he's reportedly headed to the waiver wire after being released by the team on Wednesday.

Nov 9, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) warms up before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Saints agree to release WR Brandin Cooks

Per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network: "Saints WR Brandin Cooks, who was a possible trade target before the deadline, had been released, sources say. The two sides agreed on this, and now heads to waivers."

Cooks caught 19 balls for 165 yards for New Orleans in 2025 after returning to NOLA following two years opposite CeeDee Lamb on the Dallas Cowboys. Any interested team can now claim him as soon as Thursday afternoon.

#Saints WR Brandin Cooks, who was a possible trade target before the deadline, had been released, sources say. The two sides agreed on this, and now heads to waivers. pic.twitter.com/rhu3tbnyVw
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 19, 2025

Fans react to Cooks' departure

"brandin cooks feels like the most obvious bronco," a user said.

"It seems as if Brandin Cooks possibly wants to play for a contender. The Rams are missing a reliable WR3 outside of Adams and Nacua. I'd consider bringing Cooks in tbh," another commented.

"The Steelers should absolutely use their waiver on Brandin Cooks," a fan replied.

"Brandin Cooks was a pro with his time with the Saints, but was frustrated with his role," beat reporter Matthew Paras posted.

"Can’t say I’m surprised by this. Brandin Cooks just isn’t a quality receiver anymore," another person shared. "They definitely have to regret giving him that contract."

While Cooks may no longer be the explosive outside receiver he once was, he's still more than capable of being a valuable veteran presence in a team's locker room. We'll see if he gets a call from a potential playoff contender over the next few days.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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