A potential solution to one of the Denver Broncos’ prevailing issues this season just presented itself, and head coach Sean Payton could jump at the opportunity.
The New Orleans Saints and wide receiver Brandin Cooks have parted ways, creating a clear path for the player to reunite with Payton in Denver. Their shared history plus the fit for both sides could even see something happen sooner rather than later.
Anything to help the NFL’s 17th-ranked scoring (and 13th overall) offense.
Broncos Linked to Brandin Cooks After Saints Exit
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“The Saints and Brandin Cooks have mutually agreed to part ways, according to a source. Cooks will be a free agent,” NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill reported on X on November 19. “Cooks technically heads to waivers first, where a team can claim him.”
Underhill added in a separate post that “Cooks renegotiated his contract down to facilitate his release, according to a source.”
Per NewOrleans.Football’s Mike Triplett, Cooks had “a little over $2M” in remaining guarantees.
Cooks, 32, was the No. 20 overall pick by the Saints in 2014, Payton’s eighth season in the same role in New Orleans that he holds with the Broncos now. Naturally, their shared history led to raised eyebrows over Cooks’ availability amid the Broncos’ needs.
As their other metrics suggest, the Broncos are middle of the pack in terms of yards per play offensively.
Cooks has 19 receptions for 165 yards this season.
“Sean Payton drafted Brandin Cooks,” DNVR’s Zac Stevens posted, saying what many in Broncos Country thought upon hearing the news of the wideout’s exit. “Now he’s available [eye looking emoji].”
Sean Payton Traded Brandin Cooks
GettyDenver Broncos head coach Sean Payton looks on before a game against the New York Giants.
There is a noteworthy aspect to Payton’s history with Cooks, which could factor significantly into the Broncos’ interest in and chances of landing the receiver.
Payton’s Saints traded Cooks to the New England Patriots in 2017.
‘According to multiple sources informed of the situation in New Orleans, Cooks was dealt because of a combination of his unhappiness with his role, his doubts that aging quarterback Drew Brees could get him the ball deep, the Saints’ frustrations with Cooks focusing on his numbers and their disbelief he should be paid like a top receiver,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport wrote in September 2017.
“In a matter-of-fact meeting with coach Sean Payton deep into 2016, Cooks laid out his issues. The Saints got through the season, then dealt Cooks.”
Notably, Broncos quarterback Bo Nix’s deep ball is not really an issue this season.
Making Dollars & Sense of Brandin Cooks for Denver
GettyBrandin Cooks #3 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during a game..
Cooks was also in line for a contract extension. He received it, albeit four years later, signing a four-year, $81 million pact as a member of the Los Angeles Rams, who acquired him in a trade with the Patriots in 2018 and dealt him away via the same method to the Houston Texans in 2020.
Cooks has earned $120.9 million in his career, and even his most recent deal averaged $7.5 million annually.
According to Over The Cap, the Broncos have $3.7 million in cap space.
Cooks’ deal will be prorated for the remainder of the season, regardless of what final dollar amount he settles on. The Broncos could need to move some parts around to create the space needed, barring Cooks taking a veteran’s minimum ($1.2 million) deal.
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