After getting wide receiver JaLynn Polk in a trade, the New Orleans Saints could look to depart with one of their pass-catchers, Brandin Cooks, at some point. According to the breaking news, the Saints are continuing to rebuild their offense around quarterback Spencer Rattler, despite facing a significant cap space issue by acquiring Polk in a trade. All of these wide receiver acquisitions that the Saints are making could spell bad news for the veteran pass-catcher, Cooks, who signed a two-year contract with the team in a reunion earlier this past offseason. The Saints already traded for DeVaughn Vele and claimed Trey Palmer off waivers to salvage their receiver core group, so what does this mean for the future of Cooks?
The good news is that Polk is still on IR and probably won’t be available until next season. However, the fact that the Saints are betting on his recovery just shows that Cooks could just become expendable at some point during the 2025 campaign. Between Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Vele and Palmer might mean fewer snaps for the veteran, and if that happens, then it might be best for the receiver to be put on the trade block. Originally selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the former Oregon State product might be past his prime, but he still has a lot left in the tank to be a reliable slot receiver in the aerial attack for a team’s offense.
Breaking: Saints Latest Jalynn Polk Trade Could Set Up Brandin Cooks Departure? – 3 Possible Fits
Potential Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have one of the best wide receiver units in the league, but they could use one more slot wideout to salvage their group. Between Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman, Lamar Jackson has two speedy weapons with tons of athleticism and elusiveness, so why not add a similar offensive wide receiver that replicates both Bateman and Flowers? Cooks is not going to change this offense around drastically, but it gives Jackson another weapon to rely on in pressure situations, and it would give them the upper hand against teams like the Chiefs, Chargers and Bills in future matchups.
DeAndre Hopkins is arguably one of the best deep-ball receivers, but not so much for the slot. However, he would thrive enormously if Cooks gets in the mix to create some separation.
Kansas City Chiefs
Meanwhile, it wouldn’t be any surprise if the Kansas City Chiefs decide to pull off a massive trade here. With Xavier Worthy ruled out for Week 2, he might come back, but on a reduced role, which means an unproven Tyquan Thornton will get more reps on the field. Marquise Brown is good, but he won’t be able to carry the weight of this offensive attack while they wait for Rashee Rice from his suspension this season.
Cooks adds a temporary bullet for Patrick Mahomes to depend on to shoot the ball and find him in situational moments.
Los Angeles Chargers
However, the Los Angeles Chargers could use more of an upgrade in their receiver unit, depending on whether or not Quentin Johnston can stay consistent. Between Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen, many should expect these two receivers to thrive. However, why not add a reliable slot playmaker like Cooks to help mentor KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Tre Harris?
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