The Denver Broncos, New York Giants, and New England Patriots failed to address their need for a wide receiver at the 2025 NFL trade deadline. However, a new receiver target has emerged on the open market that should spike the interest of all three teams.
Brandin Cooks was waived by the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday after requesting his release. The 32-year-old has been tabbed as a mid-season free agency fit for the Broncos, Giants, and Patriots.
The Broncos need some help to support Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin with some injury issues for Marvin Mims Jr. Cooks also can help with the short-area extension of the running game with JK Dobbins down for the season.
The Patriots have Josh McDaniels back as their offensive coordinator and Cooks had one productive season there in 2017 under McDaniels after being traded by the Saints. Cooks was great as a younger target for Tom Brady and his experience should be welcome, along with Stefon Diggs to further boost Drake Maye.
They [The Giants] could help rookie QB sensation Jaxson Dart further his rapid passing development with another weapon to help Wan'Dale Robinson and tight end Theo Johnson. New York also has Tim Kelly, Cooks' former Texans offensive coordinator, serving as the OC under interim head coach Mike Kafka.
Cooks has had an underwhelming 2025 campaign, hauling in just 19 receptions for 165 yards with no touchdowns. However, a change of scenery should unlock the dynamic receiver and give him more motivation to produce.
Denver and New York make a ton of sense for Cooks, as the struggling Broncos' offense could use another playmaker, while the Giants should strive to surround rookie signal-caller Jaxson Dart with as much talent as possible. However, Mike Vrabel's 9-2 squad in New England feels like the perfect destination for Cooks.
Quarterback Drake Maye is playing at an MVP-level for the Patriots, and he's doing so without a true No.2 receiver opposite Stefon Diggs. Cooks would form a versatile and electric duo with Diggs and provide Maye with an experienced deep threat.
Additionally, Cooks has already proven that he can flourish in a Josh McDaniels-led offense. The former first-round pick tallied 1,082 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in his lone season in New England in 2017 with McDaniels as the offensive coordinator.
Overall, Cooks would be a solid fit in multiple places, but a reunion with the Patriots would be an ideal situation for all parties involved.
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