Brandin Cooks is still available in free agency, and several teams could take a look at the veteran wide receiver before training camp begins. While the former Buffalo Bills receiver has said he would love to return, that reunion is far from certain. As a result, the latest NFL trade rumors and free agency buzz have linked Brandin Cooks with a few teams that could use an experienced receiver.
Which teams could sign Brandin Cooks?
The latest NFL trade rumors have connected Brandin Cooks with three possible destinations if he does not return to Buffalo. The Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons all have reasons to consider adding a veteran receiver before the regular season begins.While none of those teams has officially shown interest, they have been mentioned as logical landing spots because of their current depth at wide receiver.
What are insiders saying about trade rumors?
Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports believes Buffalo remains Cooks’ preferred destination. Speaking about his future, Cooks said: “Obviously, Buffalo is the place I’d love to be. I want to prove that to them and have a full offseason with them. Both sides are figuring things out. We’ll see, but hopefully something transpires because I love going to training camp. That’s where you build that callus.”Palacios noted that a return to Buffalo is far from guaranteed. The Bills have already added Elijah Moore and still have Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman on the roster, making their receiving room more crowded than it was a year ago. Because of that, Palacios suggested that if Buffalo does not bring Cooks back, the Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears, and Atlanta Falcons could emerge as logical landing spots. Kansas City could use another experienced target alongside Patrick Mahomes, while Chicago may benefit from adding a veteran presence to its young receiving group heading into the new season.
Contract details and implication
Brandin Cooks played the 2025 season on a one-year, $1.255 million contract with the Buffalo Bills. That deal has expired, making him an unrestricted free agent. Although his last contract was worth just over $1.2 million, Cooks has earned more than $124 million in total contract value during his NFL career. His experience and proven production could still make him an attractive signing for a contender looking for another reliable receiver.
Why these teams make sense?
The Kansas City Chiefs could benefit from another experienced target for Patrick Mahomes. With questions surrounding Rashee Rice and a young receiving group, adding a veteran like Cooks could provide stability. The Chicago Bears also have one of the league’s younger receiver groups. Bringing in Cooks would add experience while giving their offense another dependable option.The Atlanta Falcons are another team worth watching. Their quarterback situation remains unsettled, and adding a veteran receiver could help whichever passer wins the starting job.Nothing has been announced yet, but Brandin Cooks remains one of the top veteran receivers still available. If Buffalo decides not to bring him back, the Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons could all be teams to watch in the coming weeks.
