Brandin Cooks DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks has inked a two-year, $13 million deal with the New Orleans Saints, per Mike Garafolo. The 31-year-old returns to the team that drafted him. Cooks was plagued by a knee injury in 2024 -- an MCL sprain that evolved into an infection -- forcing him from seven games. Still, he was the team's clear No. 2 wideout ahead of Jalen Tolbert when healthy. Despite the time missed, he scored the third-most receiving touchdowns (three) of any Cowboys pass-catcher. Whether or not Cooks will make an impact in fantasy is unclear. However, he provides a valuable second option on the field alongside teammate Chris Olave, with Rashid Shaheed's (knee) status undetermined after a mid-season meniscus injury.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks led the team with nine targets in Sunday's 23-19 loss to Washington. Despite the heavy volume, Cooks struggled to produce. He caught just three passes for 15 yards and added a rush for a five-yard loss. The veteran was not on the same page as quarterback Trey Lance, who missed him in the end zone multiple times. The 31-year-old has a voidable contract going into the offseason, so there is a chance that he has played his final game with Dallas.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks is a flex option as Dallas' projected top receiver in Week 18. Cooks led the Cowboys in all receiving benchmarks in Week 17, the first game without CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) in the fold. Washington's defense ranks 12th against opposing receivers, and there is uncertainty at the quarterback position, with rumblings that quarterback Trey Lance should see significant reps this week. However, Cooks remains the top receiving option on the active roster and can be started this week.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks led the team in all receiving metrics in the Week 17 blowout loss against Philadelphia. Cooks was targeted eight times, securing four catches for 52 yards. The veteran led the way with CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) on the shelf, and should remain the top receiving option for Dallas heading into Week 18 against Washington. Cooks now has 192 yards and three touchdowns on the season in just eight games after missing a good chunk of the season due to a knee injury. The veteran's contract is up following this season, so Week 18 could be his final game as a Cowboy.

Dallas Cowboys veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks should see more volume over the next two weeks due to the absence of star receiver CeeDee Lamb (shoulder). The 31-year-old has seen 4.5 targets per game over the past four weeks, while Lamb has absorbed 8.5 targets per game in the same span of games. Cooks will compete with tight end Jake Ferguson and third-year receiver Jalen Tolbert (finger) for opportunities. Facing Philadelphia's seventh-ranked defense against receivers, the matchup is less than ideal. Cooks can be started as a flex option in desperation, but has a low floor this week.