The Bills have added veteran speedster Brandin Cooks to their receiving corps, signing him to the active roster Tuesday after he cleared waivers.
Cooks, 32, requested his release from the New Orleans Saints – a process that played out over the past week before the team officially waived him Saturday. Saints coach Kellen Moore confirmed the receiver had asked to be let go.
The addition comes at a critical time for Buffalo’s struggling passing attack.
In a corresponding move, the Bills released wide receiver Elijah Moore on Wednesday. Moore had managed just nine catches for 112 yards through nine games after signing a one-year deal in free agency.
Buffalo’s receiving situation has been a revolving door lately. They’ve elevated Gabe Davis from the practice squad for two consecutive games while also recently signing Mecole Hardman – who promptly fumbled a punt return in Week 11 and landed on injured reserve with a calf injury.
Second-year wideout Keon Coleman hasn’t even seen the field lately, being a healthy scratch for two straight games following what sources indicate were disciplinary issues.
The Bills’ passing game desperately needs a spark. They’re on pace to go a second straight season without a 1,000-yard receiver. Surprisingly, tight end Dalton Kincaid leads the team with four receiving touchdowns despite appearing in just eight games.
Buffalo’s offense has been Jekyll and Hyde this season – averaging a robust 32.5 points at home but just 21.8 on the road. They’ve scored fewer than 20 points in all three of their road losses heading into Sunday’s crucial matchup in Pittsburgh (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS).
GM Brandon Beane had previously acknowledged trying to acquire receiving help at the trade deadline, but said no deals materialized.
Cooks brings a wealth of experience as a former first-round pick (2014) with 729 career receptions, 9,697 yards and 60 touchdowns across 12 seasons. He’s suited up for five different franchises – the Saints (twice), Patriots, Rams, Texans and Cowboys.
His 2023 production has been modest, with just 19 catches for 165 yards and zero touchdowns in 10 games with New Orleans.