In the ever-shifting landscape of the National Football League, few wide receivers embody the term 'journeyman' quite like Brandin Cooks. At 32 years old (as of early 2026), Cooks is a seasoned veteran whose career has spanned nearly a dozen seasons, multiple teams, and significant production milestones. His recent move to the Buffalo Bills has once again placed a spotlight on the career trajectory of this dynamic, if frequently relocated, offensive weapon.
The Making of a Pro: Cooks' Early Years and Breakout
Brandin Cooks’ professional journey began when he was selected 20th overall in the 2014 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. Joining a potent offense led by Drew Brees, Cooks was part of an exciting receiving corps that included established names like Marques Colston and Jimmy Graham. While his rookie campaign showed promise, it was the 2016 season that truly announced his arrival as an elite threat. That year, playing alongside the newly drafted Michael Thomas, Cooks exploded for over 1,100 receiving yards and nine touchdowns, solidifying his status as a legitimate top-tier receiver.
However, the Saints’ organization decided to pivot following that breakout year. After the 2016 season, Cooks was surprisingly traded to the New England Patriots in exchange for a first-round draft selection. This move immediately thrust him into the spotlight in New England, where he spent the 2017 season, contributing significantly to their offensive scheme.
A Decade of Dominance and Displacement
Cooks’ career is defined by high-value trades. After just one year in Foxborough, the Patriots traded him to the Los Angeles Rams for another first-round pick. In L.A., Cooks inked a substantial five-year, $81 million contract extension. While he produced consistently, his tenure with the Rams—which included a trip to the Super Bowl—was also relatively brief. The Rams traded him to the Houston Texans after two seasons, receiving a second-round pick in return for the receiver who still had significant guaranteed money on his deal.
In Houston, Cooks found a period of stability, spending three seasons with the franchise, which matched his initial run in New Orleans. Despite the team’s overall struggles, Cooks remained a reliable target, surpassing 1,000 yards in 2020. Even as he signed an extension in 2022, the trade winds blew again in 2023, sending him to the Dallas Cowboys for mid-round draft capital.
The Latest Chapter: Return to New Orleans and the Bills
Cooks concluded his contract with Dallas and, perhaps seeking a sentimental homecoming, signed a two-year deal with the New Orleans Saints ahead of the 2025 season. This second stint with the organization that drafted him, however, was short-lived. By mid-November 2025, the Saints released the veteran wide receiver. This move, while surprising to some, allowed Cooks to immediately sign with the Buffalo Bills just six days later.
This late-season acquisition by Buffalo proved crucial. Cooks’ veteran presence and ability to stretch the field provided an immediate boost to the Bills' offense, helping them secure a playoff berth in the 2026 postseason. His ability to integrate quickly, even late in a season, speaks volumes about his professionalism and football acumen.
Brandin Cooks by the Numbers
As of the conclusion of the 2025 season, Brandin Cooks has amassed impressive career totals, surpassing the 9,000-yard receiving mark and accumulating over 60 career touchdowns. Born on September 25, 1993, Cooks is currently 32 years old, positioning him among the older wide receivers in the league as he enters what might be his final contract years.
His career timeline reads like a map of the modern NFL: Saints, Patriots, Rams, Texans, Cowboys, a brief return to the Saints, and now the Bills. This constant movement has provided him with an unparalleled view of different offensive philosophies and coaching styles across the league. Despite the frequent changes in scenery, Cooks has consistently demonstrated the speed and route-running ability that made him a first-round talent over a decade ago. For the Bills and their fans, Cooks represents a proven commodity—a veteran presence ready to contribute immediately to championship aspirations.
The story of Brandin Cooks is not just about statistics; it is a testament to adaptability in a league that often prioritizes youth and stability over proven, albeit frequently moved, talent. As he anchors the Bills' receiving corps, the league watches to see how many more chapters this accomplished veteran has left in his remarkable NFL tenure.
