New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. (Staff photo by Brett Duke, The Times-Picayune)
STAFF PHOTO BY BRETT DUKE
The New Orleans Saints technically ruled out Brandin Cooks for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons, even though they announced he had been waived days earlier.
What's going on?
Cooks has yet to be officially released and hit the league's waiver wire as the veteran wide receiver and the Saints work on readjusting his contract, coach Kellen Moore said Friday.
"They're just finalizing the contract portion, working with the league just to make sure everything's all good to go for all parties," Moore said.
Moore said Wednesday that Cooks asked to be released, and the Saints were willing to grant that as long as the two sides could rework his deal. Cooks, New Orleans' first-round pick in 2014, rejoined the franchise this offseason on a two-year, $13 million contract with $7.75 million guaranteed.
The reunion did not work out as envisioned. Cooks appeared frustrated with his role as he caught only 19 passes for 165 yards in 10 games. After he was not moved at the trade deadline, Cooks said he still had a "fire" to be involved and make plays. He said he felt like he could contribute at a high level.
"I'm not just a guy that's a vet, that's like, 'Oh, I'm good. I'm just glad to be playing football,'" Cooks said last week.
Despite a lack of production, the Saints did value Cooks' leadership. Players voted him as a captain before the season and the wide receiver hosted a group of players — including quarterback Tyler Shough — for two separate throwing sessions in the offseason.
Moore said the team could "potentially" name a new captain to replace Cooks for the second half of the season.