Brandin Cooks is back with the Saints, but this time, he’s taking on a new role as the veteran leader in the wide receiver room.
After signing his free-agent deal, Cooks reflected on how much he’s grown since the Saints drafted him in the first round back in 2014. Now 31, he’s ready to pass on the lessons he’s learned to the younger guys.
“The way I approach the game now is totally different from when I was younger,” Cooks said. “I’ve got more knowledge, more wisdom. I know how to take care of my body and do what it takes to stay on the field.”
A lot has changed since his last run with New Orleans—only defensive end Cameron Jordan is still around from those days. But Cooks is excited to work with the team’s current crop of receivers, including Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Cedrick Wilson.
“I think we’ve got a great room,” he said. “CO and Sheed are fast, CO can run any route, and Ced’s got game too. Most importantly, we’ve got unselfish guys who just want to win. That’s the best foundation you can have.”
Now back where it all started, Cooks is ready to prove he’s still got plenty left in the tank.
Back in the Big Easy: Brandin Cooks Embraces Leadership Role in Saints WR Room
