Are The Saints Done at Receiver After Cooks Signing
The New Orleans Saints made a significant move in free agency by bringing back veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks on a two-year, $13.5 million deal. Cooks, who began his career with the Saints in 2014, adds much-needed speed and experience to an offense led by quarterback Derek Carr. With Cooks joining Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, the Saints now have a solid trio of pass-catchers, but questions remain about whether they are finished addressing the position. Depth is still a concern, and injuries have been an issue in the past, which could push the team to add another receiver through free agency or the draft. As the offseason progresses, the Saints must decide if their current group is enough or if another move is necessary to bolster the passing attack.
Adding a wide receiver was necessary for the Saints, but Brandin Cooks doesn’t exactly fit the ideal archetype they were missing. While bringing in a veteran presence is valuable, Cooks’ skill set and body type are strikingly similar to what Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed already bring—speed, deep-threat ability, and precise route running. The Saints need a bigger, more physical target who can win on the outside, excel in contested catch situations, and provide a reliable red-zone presence. That kind of player likely isn’t available in free agency at this point, meaning the Saints will have to turn to the draft to fill that void. A big-bodied receiver who can make tough catches over the middle would add a new dimension to the offense and help take pressure off Olave, Shaheed, and even Cooks, reducing the risk of injuries and allowing each player to maximize their strengths.
A big-bodied, jump-ball receiver is critical for the Saints because it adds a much-needed physicality to their passing attack. A larger target who can box out defenders, win on the outside, and make contested catches over the middle gives the quarterback a reliable option in high-pressure situations. Looking at where Kellen Moore is coming from, the Philadelphia Eagles’ offense provides a perfect example of how this dynamic works. With A.J. Brown as the physical, dominant receiver and DeVonta Smith as the smooth route-runner and deep threat, the Eagles had a perfect balance that kept defenses guessing. Brown’s ability to win in tight coverage allowed Smith to thrive in space, creating a well-rounded attack. The Saints lack that physical presence; without it, defenses can focus on taking away their speed threats. Adding a receiver who can play that A.J. Brown-type role would give Derek Carr a go-to option in critical situations, especially in the red zone and on third downs.
While bringing back Brandin Cooks was a solid move for the Saints, it doesn’t necessarily complete their expansive receiver room. The team still lacks a big-bodied, physical target who can win on the outside and in contested situations, which has been missing from their offense for years. With no clear options left in free agency, the 2025 NFL Draft will likely be their best opportunity to address this need and add a proper complement to Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. Kellen Moore’s offensive success in Philadelphia showed the importance of having both speed and size at receiver, and if the Saints want to maximize their passing attack, they’ll need to follow that blueprint. Finding that missing piece will be crucial in taking their offense to the next level, whether through an early-round draft pick or a surprise move.
