Brandin Cooks doesn’t believe in burning bridges.
The wide receiver said he’s held that belief throughout life. And it’s a mantra that has suited him well in the NFL as he has gone from one team to the next. Cooks has been traded four times in his 11-year NFL career, so it was fitting when he finally hit free agency for the first time earlier this month, he chose to sign back with the New Orleans Saints — the team where it all began.
There were no hard feelings involved.
“I think it’s unnecessary,” Cooks said of burning bridges. “It’s like drinking poison and hoping something happens to the other person. It’s just energy that’s wasted. You wish each other the best and in all aspects of life, and you move on.”
Cooks’ mentality is what allowed to him to a sign a two-year, $13 million deal to return to the Saints last week — nine years after his initial departure. In 2016, the Saints traded the former first rounder and a fourth round draft pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for first- and third-round picks. The trade happened in part because Cooks was reportedly unhappy with his role and seeking to become one of the league’s highest-paid receivers.
But reflecting on the situation Monday, Cooks said he has no regrets how his time with the Saints initially ended. He pointed out the trade benefitted both sides, and that’s true: The Saints ultimately selected former All-Pro tackle Ryan Ramczyk with the first-round selection they acquired from the Patriots.
And in general, Cooks said he thinks back to the production the Saints had over his first three seasons — when they were one of the most electric offenses in the league. In the last two of those campaigns, Cooks had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
“You just never know, right?” Cooks said of his return.
Things are different now for the 31-year-old. Cam Jordan is the only teammate left from his first go-around from the Saints, meaning he’ll have to get acclimated to plenty of new faces. And he’s coming off, stystically, the worst year of his career after catching just 26 catches for 259 yards in nine games with the Dallas Cowboys last season.
But Cooks said he can still bring a lot to the Saints. He raved about the team’s receiving core, noting the “blazing” speed of Rashid Shaheed and route running of Chris Olave. He said he believes there’s a lot of “unselfishness,” filled by guys who “just want to win.”
And Cooks was more than excited to work with wide receivers coach Keith Williams. The two have long had a relationship, dating back to their Stockton, California roots.
“He’s been recruiting me since I was 17 years old,” Cooks said. “He was at Fresno (State), and I was like, “Keith, I’m not going to Fresno.’ … I really do believe he’s the best receiver coach in the league.”
Cooks said he’s been in contact with quarterback Derek Carr, as well. The two, the wideout noted, were part of the same draft class in 2014 and they’ve known each other for a long time. He praised Carr as a “great leader” and a “tough cat” who can throw any ball.
As for his role with the Saints next season, Cooks said he’d let the coaching staff determine that. He’s spent most of his time as an outside receivers, but also has experience in the slot. At 5-foot-10 and 189 pounds, he has a similar build to Olave and Shaheed.
But Cooks said he was a fan of coach Kellen Moore, noting how he’s been able to adapt to his personnel at each of his stops.
Cooks, too, is 462 yards away from reaching the 10,000 milestone in his career. Asked about potentially reaching that feat next season, Cooks said he feels like he should have hit the figure already and that he’s not thinking about it.
“That’ll take care of itself,” Cooks said.
If it does happen next season, though, Cooks will record the accomplishment with the same team that he gained his very first yard. And that likely wouldn’t have been possible if he decided to hold a grudge.
“We both got a lot of respect for one another,” Cooks said. “I think that shows by being back here.”