Brandin Tawan Cooks is a dynamic NFL wide receiver known for his blazing speed, route-running savvy, and deep-threat ability. As of 2025, he is back with the New Orleans Saints, the team that originally drafted him in 2014.
Contract
-
In March 2025, Brandin Cooks signed a 2-year contract with the New Orleans Saints.
-
The deal is worth $13 million in total.
-
According to PlayerProfiler, his contract includes a $4.8 million signing bonus and $7.75 million guaranteed.
-
OverTheCap breaks down his 2025 cap hit at $3.15 million and shows how his base salary is structured over the two years.
This deal marks a homecoming of sorts—Cooks started his career with the Saints and now returns for a second stint.
Age
-
Brandin Cooks was born on September 25, 1993, which makes him 32 years old in 2025.
-
He has over 11 accrued seasons in the NFL, showcasing his longevity.
PFF (Pro Football Focus) Performance
-
According to PFF, in the 2024 season, Cooks’ overall grade was 63.2, placing him 78th out of 98 qualified WRs.
-
His receiving grade was 63.3, while his yards per reception (YPR) stood at 10, which was among the top WRs in terms of efficiency in contested situations.
-
PFF also notes that in 2024, he ran 290 routes and had 50 targets, showing he was still an active contributor in his offense.
These PFF grades suggest that while Cooks may no longer be among the elite top-tier wide receivers, he remains a solid, dependable veteran—especially valuable in specific roles.
Wife and Personal Life
-
Brandin Cooks is married to Briannon Lepman Cooks, whom he met during his college days at Oregon State University.
-
The two tied the knot on July 7, 2018.
-
Briannon is not just a supportive spouse; she is a blogger and lifestyle writer, running her own website called “A Briutiful Life.”
-
The couple have two sons, named Maverick Archer and Ser Dash 7.
-
Their journey to parenthood included IVF treatments, which Cooks publicly credited and celebrated, highlighting Briannon’s strength.
Dates Joined / NFL Journey
-
Draft and Early Years: Cooks was selected by the New Orleans Saints as the 20th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.
-
First Stint with Saints: He played with New Orleans from 2014 to 2016, producing multiple 1,000+ yard seasons.
-
Trade to New England Patriots: In 2017, he was traded to the Patriots, where he played one season.
-
Los Angeles Rams: In 2018, he moved to the Rams, signing a 5-year extension there.
-
Houston Texans: In 2020, Cooks was traded to the Texans, where he played through 2022.
-
Dallas Cowboys: For the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he was with the Cowboys.
-
Return to Saints: On March 21, 2025, he re-signed with the New Orleans Saints on that 2-year, $13M contract.
Looking Ahead
Brandin Cooks’ return to the Saints is more than just a reunion—it’s a full-circle moment in his career. At 32, with extensive experience across multiple franchises, he brings veteran savvy, speed, and a proven track record. His PFF grades indicate that he may not be at his career peak, but he remains a valuable depth piece and matchup weapon. Off the field, his steady personal life and strong support system (his wife Briannon and their children) reflect stability, which often translates into consistent performance. The Saints clearly value his experience and feel he still has something to offer as they build their receiving corps around younger talent.
Leave a Reply