Sean Payton’s Surprising Snub of Brandin Cooks
In an unexpected turn of events, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton decided against bringing in veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks, a former player under his guidance at the New Orleans Saints. The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson reported that the Broncos were not “in the mix” to sign Cooks, who was released by the Saints on November 19 and cleared waivers on Monday. Just a day later, Cooks struck a free-agent deal with the Buffalo Bills, leaving many to wonder about the Broncos’ strategy moving forward.
Cooks’ Journey in the NFL
Drafted by Payton with the 20th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, Cooks has built a notable career. Over 168 games, he has amassed 727 receptions for an impressive 9,680 yards and 60 touchdowns. His journey has taken him through several teams, including the Saints, Patriots, Rams, Texans, and Cowboys, before returning to New Orleans for a second stint. This season, prior to his release, Cooks recorded 19 catches for 165 yards.
Speculation Surrounding the Broncos
As the NFL trade deadline approached last month, there was considerable speculation about Cooks potentially joining the Broncos. Rumors also swirled around his former teammate Rashid Shaheed, who was linked to Denver before ultimately being traded to Seattle. However, the Broncos, currently enjoying a remarkable eight-game winning streak and standing at 9-2, opted to rely on their existing wide receiver depth.
Current Receiver Corps
The Broncos’ receiving corps features a strong lineup, including Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims, Pat Bryant, and Lil’Jordan Humphrey. With this group in place, Payton appears committed to his current roster, even in the absence of Cooks. As the team continues to push for a successful season, the decision not to pursue Cooks raises questions about their long-term strategy and the dynamics within the receiver room.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on both the Broncos and Cooks as they navigate their respective paths in the NFL.
