Buffalo Bills have signed veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks to strengthen their receiving corps ahead of a crucial AFC showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The move comes after the Bills’ recent 23-19 loss to the Houston Texans, as the team seeks an offensive spark following their struggles.
Cooks, who has had a storied NFL career, will be joining the Bills for the first time in his 12-year professional journey. He has played for the New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, and Dallas Cowboys, showcasing his adaptability and experience across multiple teams. The Bills’ decision to bring in Cooks is likely driven by the need to address their wide receiver room’s shortcomings, especially with star tight end Dalton Kincaid missing the last three games due to a hamstring injury and second-year receiver Keon Coleman being a healthy scratch in the last two weeks.
Cooks’ arrival is expected to provide a reliable target for quarterback Josh Allen, who has not had a true No. 1 wide receiver to lean on in recent games. The Bills’ leading receiver, Khalil Shakir, has 54 catches, 564 yards, and three touchdowns, but only Kincaid has more touchdown catches than Shakir (four). With these two key players sidelined, the Bills’ offense has struggled to find consistency, making Cooks’ addition all the more critical.
Cooks, now 32, joined the Bills after clearing waivers and leaving the New Orleans Saints following his release from his contract on Nov. 22. The team also made a corresponding move by releasing wide receiver Elijah Moore, indicating a strategic shift in their roster. The Bills (7-4) are looking to leverage Cooks’ experience and talent to gain an edge in their matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5), which is set for Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.
The timing of the signing is crucial for the Bills, as they aim to secure a win in their key AFC matchup and improve their standing in the conference. With a strong roster and a capable coach, the Bills are positioned to make a significant impact in the coming weeks, provided they can capitalize on the opportunities presented by the addition of Cooks.