Overview
- Because the release comes after the trade deadline, Cooks must pass through waivers to become a free agent, and any team that claims him assumes the remainder of his adjusted contract.
- Cooks rejoined the Saints in March on a two-year deal worth up to $13 million but logged just 19 receptions for 165 yards and no touchdowns across 10 games.
- The decision follows limited deadline activity in which New Orleans dealt Rashid Shaheed to the Seahawks and Trevor Penning to the Chargers as part of a broader reset.
- With Cooks departing, the active receiver group is thin, led by Chris Olave with Devaughn Vele and Mason Tipton, with practice-squad elevations and a possible Trey Palmer return among options.
- Analysts expect interest from playoff hopefuls if Cooks clears waivers, with teams such as the Bills, Steelers, Rams and Patriots frequently mentioned.