When Brandin Cooks walked off the field in New Orleans for the final time as a Saint, few expected his next stop to be Pittsburgh. But after being released by the New Orleans Saints on November 25, 2025 — a move that left several NFL teams frustrated, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter — the 30-year-old veteran wideout found himself at the center of a quiet but compelling reunion. The Pittsburgh Steelers, fresh off securing Aaron Rodgers on a one-year deal, are now seriously considering bringing Cooks back into the fold. It’s not just chemistry. It’s timing. And it might be exactly what Pittsburgh’s offense needs to stay alive in a brutal AFC North.
Why This Reunion Makes Sense
Cooks and Rodgers weren’t just teammates in Green Bay during the 2022 season — they were a working partnership. In 15 games, Cooks caught 35 passes for 509 yards and two touchdowns, often serving as Rodgers’ safety valve on quick slants and crossing routes. That connection didn’t fade after Rodgers left for New York. It just went dormant. Now, with Rodgers under center in Pittsburgh, the Steelers’ coaching staff is quietly revisiting old playbooks — and old relationships. The Steelers’ offense, under coordinator Arthur Smith, has been experimenting with hybrid tight ends like Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth as slot receivers. But those are stopgaps. They’re not true X-receivers who can stretch the field or win contested catches. Cooks can. He’s not the burner he was at 24, but his route precision, body control, and timing are elite. And in a system that thrives on rhythm, not raw speed, that matters.The Steelers’ Receiving Crisis
Pittsburgh’s wide receiver room is a patchwork. Mike Williams, the 30-year-old former Chargers first-rounder, signed with Los Angeles on a $6 million deal just days before Cooks’ release. That left a gaping hole. Ben Skowronek — re-signed on a two-year deal — is a gritty special teams ace (55% of snaps in 2024, eight tackles despite missing seven games), but he’s not a primary target. George Pickens remains the team’s best talent, but he’s still developing consistency. And with Diontae Johnson (who was misreported as with Cleveland) and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (who ultimately signed with Seattle for $5.5 million) both off the board, the Steelers had nowhere else to turn. The team reportedly wanted someone like Jakobi Meyers — a reliable, high-volume slot option — but the price tag was too steep for a one-year rental. So they stood pat. Until Cooks became available.
Chemistry Over Contract
Here’s the twist: Cooks doesn’t need a big contract. He’s not chasing a payday. He’s chasing relevance. And he knows Rodgers is one season away from retirement. This isn’t just another stop — it’s a final shot at a deep playoff run. The Steelers, for their part, aren’t looking to rebuild. They’re looking to win now. That’s why they traded for Rodgers. That’s why they’re talking to Cooks. According to YouTube analysts who’ve tracked Steelers’ free agent targets since the 2025 trade deadline, Cooks had informal talks with Pittsburgh’s front office during the offseason. “He said during the offseason he’s had conversations with the Steelers about signing here,” one analyst noted. “And he’s good friends with Aaron Rodgers.” That’s not just gossip. That’s strategy. In the NFL, trust matters more than stats. And Cooks and Rodgers have built that.What’s at Stake for Pittsburgh
The Steelers’ 2025 season isn’t just important — it’s existential. After missing the playoffs in 2024, the organization has signaled a win-now mandate. The defense, led by T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, remains elite. But the offense? It’s been a question mark since Ben Roethlisberger retired. Rodgers, at 41, can still make magic happen — but only if he has weapons. Cooks gives him a known quantity. A guy who knows his cadence, his footwork, his tendencies. A guy who won’t need six weeks to learn the system. Meanwhile, the Steelers have quietly added seven undrafted rookies, including Keshan Williams and Rock Taylor, both wideouts from smaller schools. But none of them are ready to start. Not now. Not with Rodgers in town.
What’s Next?
Cooks is a free agent as of November 26, 2025. The Steelers have until early December to make a decision. If they sign him, it’ll be a one-year, veteran-minimum deal — likely under $2 million. If they don’t, they’ll likely turn to the waiver wire or bring back a familiar face like Darnell Washington in more receiver-centric packages. But that’s not ideal. The league is watching. Other teams, including the Buccaneers and Commanders, have shown mild interest. But none have the quarterback connection. None have the urgency. Only Pittsburgh does.Frequently Asked Questions
How would Brandin Cooks fit into the Steelers’ offensive scheme?
Cooks would likely line up as an outside receiver, giving Aaron Rodgers a reliable deep threat and intermediate option. His route precision complements Pittsburgh’s use of tight ends like Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth in the slot. He’d take pressure off George Pickens and provide a consistent target on third downs — something the Steelers lacked after losing Mike Williams.
Why did the New Orleans Saints release Brandin Cooks?
The Saints released Cooks to create cap space and clear room for younger receivers like Chris Olave and rookie Zay Flowers. His contract, which carried a $7.2 million cap hit in 2025, was deemed too expensive for a player who missed six games due to injury last season. Several NFL teams criticized the timing, calling it abrupt and poorly communicated.
What’s Aaron Rodgers’ track record with veteran receivers?
Rodgers has consistently elevated veteran receivers: Davante Adams (2018–2021) became a superstar under him. In 2022, Cooks posted his best efficiency stats since 2018. Even in 2023 with the Jets, Rodgers found success with Jamison Crowder and Garrett Wilson. He thrives with route-savvy, high-IQ receivers who understand timing — exactly Cooks’ profile.
Is this a playoff-or-bust situation for the Steelers in 2025?
Absolutely. With Rodgers on a one-year deal and the defense aging, this is Pittsburgh’s last realistic window to contend for a Super Bowl in the next five years. A first-round exit would likely trigger a full rebuild. Adding Cooks isn’t just about depth — it’s about belief. If they don’t make the playoffs, the entire Rodgers experiment could be seen as a failure.
What happens if the Steelers don’t sign Brandin Cooks?
They’ll likely rely even more on George Pickens and tight ends, possibly promoting rookie Rock Taylor or signing a low-cost veteran like Allen Robinson. But without a proven outside target, Rodgers will face constant pressure and fewer open windows. The offense could stall in critical moments — exactly what happened in Week 10 against Baltimore last season.
