Introduction
Brandin Cooks is one of the NFL’s most well-traveled wide receivers. From his early days in New Orleans to a memorable stint with the New England Patriots, followed by spells with the Rams, Texans, Cowboys, and back to the Saints — his journey has been marked by big plays, big trades, and big contracts. In this article, we take an in-depth look at Cooks’ Patriots chapter, his contracts, trade history, the latest news (including his release), and his current age and status.
Early Career & Rise to Prominence
Brandin Tawan Cooks was born on September 25, 1993, in Stockton, California. He played college football at Oregon State, where he quickly made a name for himself as a deep threat with explosive speed. In the 2014 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints selected Cooks with the 20th overall pick.
In his first three seasons with the Saints (2014–2016), Cooks established himself as a reliable and dynamic receiver, putting up strong yardage and showing consistent playmaking ability.
Trade to the Patriots: Patriots Chapter
In a blockbuster move on March 10, 2017, the New England Patriots acquired Brandin Cooks in a trade with the Saints. The trade deal saw the Patriots giving up their 2017 first-round pick (which later became Ryan Ramczyk) and a third-round pick, along with receiving a fourth-round pick in return.
For Cooks, the move was a dream: he admitted that joining the Patriots felt like a “blessing” and an opportunity to compete at the highest level. In his only season as a Patriot (2017), he delivered 1,082 receiving yards and seven touchdowns over 65 receptions, proving to be a deep and reliable target. That season, he also made key plays, such as a game-winning touchdown against the Houston Texans in Week 3.
Contract Details & Cap Implications
After the trade, the Patriots picked up Cooks’ fifth-year option on his contract in April 2017. However, his time in New England was short-lived; after one season, the Patriots traded him again.
According to OverTheCap, Cooks’ more recent contract (in his second stint with the Saints) was a two-year deal worth up to $13 million, of which $7.75 million was fully guaranteed. For 2025, his cap hit was around US$ 3.15 million.
This contract structure — moderate guarantees, performance incentives, and team-friendly cap management — highlights how teams valued Cooks as a veteran presence capable of contributing without massive salary risk.
The Great NFL Journey: Trades & Transfers
Brandin Cooks’ career is perhaps most notable for how many times he has changed teams. He has been traded four times, tying a record for non-quarterbacks.
Here’s a quick breakdown of his trade history:
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Saints → Patriots (2017): As discussed, traded in exchange for picks.
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Patriots → Los Angeles Rams (2018): The Patriots traded Cooks along with a fourth-round pick to the Rams in exchange for a 2018 first-round pick and a sixth-rounder.
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Later, he moved from the Rams to the Houston Texans, and from the Texans to the Dallas Cowboys.
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Finally, he returned to the New Orleans Saints in 2025 on the two-year deal mentioned earlier.
His frequent team changes are remarkable — they illustrate both how much teams value his skill set and possibly how he has become a “tradeable asset” rather than a long-term cornerstone.
Why So Many Trades?
Multiple factors explain Cooks’ trade-heavy career:
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Value as a deep threat: Cooks offers big-play potential. Teams often trade for him when they need a vertical stretch receiver.
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Contract flexibility: His contracts, especially in later years, gave teams cap flexibility.
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Teams retooling: As franchises rebuild or change philosophies, a player like Cooks becomes movable — valuable, but not irreplaceable.
Even Cooks has acknowledged this journey without regret. He said in an interview that he has “no regrets” about his first stint with the Saints and maintained there was no bad blood.
Return to the Saints & Recent News
In a surprising homecoming, Brandin Cooks rejoined the New Orleans Saints in March 2025, signing that two-year, $13 million deal. The Saints announced the move with a nostalgic touch, sharing a GIF of Cooks doing his signature “archer” touchdown celebration.
However, in a twist, in November 2025, the Saints released Cooks. Reports suggest that the release was facilitated by a mutual agreement and possibly a renegotiation; some sources mention that Cooks restructured to enable the move.
Per ESPN, Cooks had 19 receptions for 165 yards in the season before his release and did not hit various incentive thresholds in his contract (receptions, yards, etc.). The Saints’ decision came amid a broader roster shake-up as they retooled their receiving corps.
Age & Current Status
As of November 2025, Brandin Cooks is 32 years old, having been born on 25 September 1993.
His age, combined with his long career and frequent team changes, means he is often seen as a veteran presence — someone who can contribute, but not necessarily as a long-term building block. Yet, despite this, he remains relevant in the league, and his release from the Saints could lead to new opportunities elsewhere.
Impact & Legacy
Brandin Cooks’ career is a fascinating case study in NFL roster building:
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Versatility and reliability: Even if he’s not the primary number-one receiver on most teams, Cooks has consistently delivered.
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Trade value: His frequent trades show that teams consider him a valuable commodity rather than a cap burden.
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Mentorship: As a veteran, he brings experience to younger wideouts and contributes leadership as well as playmaking.
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Durability & production: Over many seasons, Cooks has produced solid numbers and shown that he can adapt to different offensive systems.
From his explosive speed to his willingness to move and adapt, Cooks has etched a unique path in the NFL — not just as a receiver, but as a player who has carved out a long career by being useful, flexible, and open to change. Brandin Cooks Patriots.
FAQs
Q1: What was Brandin Cooks’ trade to the Patriots?
A: The Patriots traded for Cooks on March 10, 2017, giving up a 2017 first-round pick and a third-round pick; Cooks and a fourth-round pick went to New England.
Q2: How did Brandin Cooks perform with the Patriots?
A: In his one season (2017) with New England, Cooks recorded 65 catches, 1,082 yards, and 7 touchdowns.
Q3: What is Brandin Cooks’ current age?
A: As of 2025, he is 32 years old (born September 25, 1993).
Q4: Why was Brandin Cooks released by the Saints in 2025?
A: The Saints released him by mutual agreement. Reports indicate he renegotiated his contract, and he underperformed relative to the incentives in his deal.
Q5: How many times has Brandin Cooks been traded in his career?
A: He has been traded four times, tying a record for non-quarterbacks.
Q6: What was the value of his contract when he returned to the Saints in 2025?
A: It was a two-year deal worth up to US$ 13 million, with $7.75 million guaranteed.
Q7: What is Brandin Cooks’ legacy in the NFL?
A: Cooks is known for being a reliable deep threat, a valuable trade asset, and a seasoned veteran who has contributed meaningfully across multiple teams. He may not always be a franchise centerpiece, but his adaptability and consistent production make him a respected figure in the league.
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