Saints Explore Trading Cooks; Updates on Olave, Shaheed
The New Orleans Saints, currently with a record of 1-6, are expected to be active sellers during the trade deadline. General Manager Mickey Loomis has been fielding inquiries from various teams regarding several players.
Potential Trade Candidates for Saints
The Saints’ roster includes multiple players who could be on the trading block. Notable names include:
- Chris Olave – Wide Receiver
- Rashid Shaheed – Wide Receiver
- Alvin Kamara – Running Back
- Cameron Jordan – Defensive End
- Carl Granderson – Defensive End
- Demario Davis – Linebacker
- Pete Werner – Linebacker
- Alontae Taylor – Cornerback
- Dillon Radunz – Offensive Lineman
- Brandin Cooks – Wide Receiver
Focus on Brandin Cooks
Cooks, now 32, is generating significant attention in trade discussions. Sources, including ESPN’s Adam Schefter, indicate that Cooks could make another move shortly. This would be a historical trade, as Cooks has already been traded four times, tying him for the most in NFL history alongside Kiko Alonso and Eric Dickerson.
A former first-round pick by the Saints in 2014, Cooks has had a tumultuous career. He was initially dealt to the Patriots after three seasons in New Orleans, and from there, he was traded to the Rams and later to the Texans. Most recently, Cooks joined the Dallas Cowboys in 2023.
Contract Details
Cooks signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the Saints during the offseason. His salary in 2025 is relatively low at $1.26 million, which makes him an attractive trade target. The acquiring team would only need to handle the prorated portion of his contract, as $1.69 million of his 2026 salary is guaranteed.
Cooks’ Current Performance
This season, Cooks has recorded only 14 catches totaling 127 yards without any touchdowns. Despite a decline in performance, he remains a viable option for teams in need of a receiving threat. In contrast, Saints’ young players like Olave, Shaheed, and Kamara have seen significantly more targets.
While the Saints have publicly stated they are not looking to trade many of their wide receivers, insiders suggest that Olave is likely to remain with the team through the 2026 season. Recent discussions have indicated a mutual interest in extending his contract.
Conclusion
As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Saints’ roster movements. Players like Brandin Cooks, alongside others, may change teams as New Orleans looks to reshape its future while navigating a challenging season.
