Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks has inked a two-year, $13 million deal with the New Orleans Saints, per Mike Garafolo. The 31-year-old returns to the team that drafted him. Cooks was plagued by a knee injury in 2024 -- an MCL sprain that evolved into an infection -- forcing him from seven games. Still, he was the team's clear No. 2 wideout ahead of Jalen Tolbert when healthy. Despite the time missed, he scored the third-most receiving touchdowns (three) of any Cowboys pass-catcher. Whether or not Cooks will make an impact in fantasy is unclear. However, he provides a valuable second option on the field alongside teammate Chris Olave, with Rashid Shaheed's (knee) status undetermined after a mid-season meniscus injury.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks led the team with nine targets in Sunday's 23-19 loss to Washington. Despite the heavy volume, Cooks struggled to produce. He caught just three passes for 15 yards and added a rush for a five-yard loss. The veteran was not on the same page as quarterback Trey Lance, who missed him in the end zone multiple times. The 31-year-old has a voidable contract going into the offseason, so there is a chance that he has played his final game with Dallas.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks is a flex option as Dallas' projected top receiver in Week 18. Cooks led the Cowboys in all receiving benchmarks in Week 17, the first game without CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) in the fold. Washington's defense ranks 12th against opposing receivers, and there is uncertainty at the quarterback position, with rumblings that quarterback Trey Lance should see significant reps this week. However, Cooks remains the top receiving option on the active roster and can be started this week.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks led the team in all receiving metrics in the Week 17 blowout loss against Philadelphia. Cooks was targeted eight times, securing four catches for 52 yards. The veteran led the way with CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) on the shelf, and should remain the top receiving option for Dallas heading into Week 18 against Washington. Cooks now has 192 yards and three touchdowns on the season in just eight games after missing a good chunk of the season due to a knee injury. The veteran's contract is up following this season, so Week 18 could be his final game as a Cowboy.
Dallas Cowboys veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks should see more volume over the next two weeks due to the absence of star receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder). The 31-year-old has seen 4.5 targets per game over the past four weeks, while Lamb has absorbed 8.5 targets per game in the same span of games. Cooks will compete with tight end Jake Ferguson and third-year receiver Jalen Tolbert (finger) for opportunities. Facing Philadelphia's seventh-ranked defense against receivers, the matchup is less than ideal. Cooks can be started as a flex option in desperation, but has a low floor this week.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks posted an efficient day on low volume in the 26-24 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The veteran caught all three of his targets for 48 yards but was unable to get into the end zone. The good news was that he hit his highest yardage mark of the season, but 48 yards for a season-high isn't going to be a fantasy league winner. Cooks remains a very risky boom or bust option, especially with Cooper Rush behind center. The Cowboys take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17 presenting a tougher task for Cooks to score.
Brandin Cooks A Shaky Boom/Bust Flex Option Against Buccaneers
Despite the fact that Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks has scored a touchdown in two of the last three games, he remains a very volatile flex option for fantasy managers in Week 16 heading into a Sunday night showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Since returning in Week 13 from a knee injury that required surgery, Cooks has seven receptions on 15 targets for 53 yards and two touchdowns. In the four games he played with quarterback Dak Prescott (hamstring) before his knee injury, Cooks had only nine catches (19 targets) for 91 yards and one touchdown. It's safe to say the 31-year-old veteran is showing serious signs of decline as a deep threat in the NFL, and he's highly dependent on getting into the end zone. The Bucs defense has been a plus matchup for receivers this year, although they've stiffened up in recent weeks. Cooks' limited volume makes him one to avoid.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks was second on the team behind CeeDee Lamb in receiving yards in the 30-14 win over Carolina. Cooks was targeted five times, catching three passes for 34 yards. Cooks is not currently on the fantasy radar despite being second or third in the pecking order most weeks given how concentrated the Dallas offense is on Lamb and running back Rico Dowdle. The veteran should be rostered by Lamb managers as a handcuff over the final weeks of the season, but serves no further use in most formats at this time.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks is not in consideration to slot into starting lineups this week with all weapons looking healthy for the team. CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) and Jake Ferguson are both good to go, making Cooks the third option in a low-ceiling passing attack despite a decent matchup with Carolina's secondary. The veteran is a touchdown-dependent option and he has scored a touchdown in each of the last two games. Given that, he does not have a high ceiling as he has recorded just 19 yards over the last two games.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks found the end zone in the 27-20 loss to Cincinnati on Monday night. Cooks was targeted three times, but his lone catch came on a three-yard house call. The 31-year-old will remain a deep league flex option but is best left on benches due to inconsistencies in his target share. Cooks and the Cowboys will travel to Carolina in Week 15.
Brandin Cooks
• WR
•
Saints
