The New England Patriots have been consistently tied to nearly every available top wide receiver over the last five years, whether it be during free agency or ahead of the trade deadline. That's no different, even this season, despite having a receiving corps outperforming all expectations, led by Kayshon Boutte and Stefon Diggs.
It explains why there will inevitably be an interest in former WR1 Brandin Cooks, who requested his release from the New Orleans Saints this week, and is now headed to waivers.
The Patriots could eye him as a potential addition, especially if Boutte remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, and he could be a solid pickup.
#Saints WR Brandin Cooks, who was a possible trade target before the deadline, had been released, sources say. The two sides agreed on this, and now heads to waivers. pic.twitter.com/rhu3tbnyVw
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 19, 2025
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Bill Belichick's decision to trade Cooks to the Rams after a successful 2017 season has remained a questionable move in the eyes of fans for the last eight years. He proved to be exactly what the team needed with his production, recording 65 receptions for 1,082 yards and seven touchdowns, only to get pushed out the door at the end of the year.
They now have a chance to right a former wrong if Mike Vrabel and Co. believe he could be the right fit, and it would be easy to do so, since he will be a waiver-wire pickup.
That might be a crucial part in their decision if Boutte cannot return to the field any time soon.
There might be a way for Brandin Cooks to play with the Patriots this season
Based on what we've seen through the first 11 games, there's not much to dislike about the Patriots' receiving corps. The resurrection of Diggs after an ACL injury ended his 2024 season, the continued rise of Boutte, and DeMario Douglas becoming a secret weapon have all been a massive boost to Drake Maye's performance.
Mack Hollins has also shined in his new role for the team, but because they might be down Boutte for a bit longer, there is certainly a hole on the roster that Cooks could fill.
The 32-year-old has been a consistent downfield threat for any team he's been a part of, making him one of the more confusing stories in the NFL, since nearly every team has traded him despite a productive season.
His role has decreased over the last five years between the Texans, Cowboys, and Saints, and while that might not change much if he joined the Patriots, he could still be a contributor on a team destined for the playoffs and improve his stock going into the 2026 offseason.
Much of this will depend on Boutte's availability, because if he can get back into the game-day lineup, there really isn't a place for Cooks. Because he suffered a hamstring injury, there is a chance he could require more time off, so Cooks would easily take over in his absence.
We'll have to see what happens this week during practice, and if any updates regarding Boutte's injury are updated before Sunday's matchup.