Entering the bye week, New Orleans Saints HC Kellen Moore made it clear that roster evaluations would be conducted to position the team better. One of the areas where this was going to happen was the veterans vs the young options, and today, a decision was made to go with youth in the WR room.
Saints Move On From Veteran WR
This offseason, the Saints signed WR Brandin Cooks to a two-year, $13 million contract, and his homecoming was official. At the time, this always seemed like a weird move due to Cooks’ age (32) and his playstyle, which was very similar to the WRs already on the roster. Now, with his snaps falling by the week, it was time for a move to be made.
Per Nick Underhill of NOF, the Saints have released Cooks, and the veteran is heading to waivers.
He wrote on X, “The Saints and Brandin Cooks have mutually agreed to part ways, according to a source. Cooks will be a free agent.”
The Saints and Brandin Cooks have mutually agreed to part ways, according to a source. Cooks will be a free agent
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) November 19, 2025
A release would have been a pretty significant cap hit, but to make things better for the Saints and complete the move, a contract renegotiation was arranged. Underhill updated it on X, writing, “Brandin Cooks renegotiated his contract down to facilitate his release, according to a source.”
Brandin Cooks renegotiated his contract down to facilitate his release, according to a source.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) November 19, 2025
With the snap count decreasing, Cooks was becoming unhappy with his role, and addressing that sooner rather than later is a smart move. Additionally, the future can now be a greater focus.
New Orleans’ Potential WR Room After the Move
As of now, the Saints’ WR room consists of Chris Olave, Devaughn Vele, and Mason Tipton as the only healthy options. Bub Means, Jalyn Polk, and Trey Palmer are on IR, but Palmer can return soon.
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With Cooks out of the picture, Vele’s snaps spot as WR2 is officially secured, and Tipton (who is 25 and a training camp standout for two years) could finally have a bigger role. Still, it wouldn’t be surprising for the Saints to sign a WR from free agency before Sunday’s game.
When age is considered, one name stands out above the rest. Gabriel Davis has been available for a while, had interest from the Saints earlier in the season/offseason, and is only 26.
