Saints WR Brandin Cooks Expected Traded Before NFL Deadline, Potential Record Fifth Trade

Brandin Cooks, a wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints, could be traded again before the NFL trade deadline, potentially setting a record as the first player traded five times in his career. Currently in the first year of a two-year, $13 million deal, Cooks has seen his production decline since 2020 and currently has no touchdowns this season. The Saints, with a struggling 1-6 record and new quarterback Spencer Rattler, are reportedly open to moving Cooks, alongside other receivers like Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, though Olave is less likely to be traded due to ongoing contract extension talks. Teams such as the Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Denver Broncos have shown interest in acquiring Cooks. Despite his nomadic career, Cooks has been productive over the years, with multiple 1,000-yard seasons and significant earnings, but his role has diminished in New Orleans under the current coaching staff. The trade would also alleviate some salary cap concerns for the Saints, as Cooks' contract is relatively movable with limited guaranteed money for 2026.