Brandin Cooks Returns to New Orleans: ‘I’ve Got Plenty Left in the Tank’ as Saints Eye Super Bowl Run
NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Saints have made a bold statement this offseason, bringing back one of their most electrifying playmakers in recent history—Brandin Cooks. After spending years away from the Big Easy, the veteran wide receiver is returning to the franchise that drafted him, and he’s making one thing clear: he’s not just here for nostalgia—he’s here to win.
“This isn’t just a homecoming,” Cooks said with confidence in his introductory press conference. “I’ve got plenty left in the tank, and I’m coming back to help bring a championship to New Orleans.”
A Long-Awaited Reunion
Cooks was originally drafted by the Saints in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft and quickly became one of Drew Brees’ favorite targets. Known for his elite speed and deep-threat ability, he recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons before being traded to the New England Patriots in 2017.
Over the years, he became a reliable playmaker for several teams, including the Rams, Texans, and Cowboys, but a part of him always remained connected to New Orleans. Now, after a journey that took him across the league, Cooks is back in the city where his NFL career began—but with a different mindset and a hunger for a Super Bowl.
Cooks Joins a Loaded Saints Offense
The Saints have been searching for offensive firepower, and the return of Cooks might just be the piece they need. He joins a stacked group of playmakers, including:
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Chris Olave, the young star wideout who continues to impress
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Michael Thomas, the veteran receiver looking to reclaim his dominance
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Alvin Kamara, one of the league’s most dangerous dual-threat running backs
With Derek Carr now under center, the Saints have a revamped offense that could make them a legitimate contender in the NFC.
Head Coach Dennis Allen: “Cooks Still Has That Game-Changing Speed”
Saints head coach Dennis Allen has high expectations for Cooks, believing he still possesses the same explosive ability that made him a star years ago.
“He’s still one of the fastest guys in the league,” Allen said. “That’s something that never fades. Defenses will have to respect that, and it opens up opportunities for the rest of our offense.”
Cooks’ ability to stretch the field will create more space for Olave and Thomas underneath, making the Saints’ passing attack even more dangerous.
Cooks’ Championship Mentality
Although Cooks has played for multiple teams, one thing has remained constant—his hunger for a championship. He’s been to the Super Bowl twice, once with the Patriots in 2017 and again with the Rams in 2018. Unfortunately, he came up short both times.
Now, with the Saints, Cooks is determined to make one final push for a title.
“I’ve been close, I’ve seen what it takes,” Cooks said. “This team has all the pieces—we just have to put it together.”
