Cooks re-joins the franchise that made him the No. 20 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. Now 31, Cooks isn’t the explosive player he once was, and he’s coming off a season in which he posted career lows in catches (26), receiving yards (259), and YPR (10.0). Granted, he was limited to just 10 games last season, but it’s no secret that Cooks is on the back nine of his career. With Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed presumably locked in as the Saints’ top two receivers, Cooks’ role should be that of a WR3/WR4 in Kellen Moore’s offense next season. Outside of a dart throw in deeper leagues, it’s hard to imagine Cooks having much fantasy utility at this stage of his career.

Cooks also relayed that he is “expecting a good free agency... but I’m also open to returning to Dallas.” Now 31 years old and healthy after missing seven games in 2024, Cooks appears primed to contribute in a complementary capacity after serving as a primary option earlier in his career. He finished the quote by hinting that his relationship with the players in Dallas is good but added, “I would love to play for the Cowboys, at the same time they have to use me right. I don’t think they fully used my to my strengths.”

Cooks also had a carry for a loss of five yards, finishing Week 18 with four touches for 10 yards. He dealt with knee issues, missing seven games in 2024. Catching just 7-of-17 targets between Weeks 17 and 18, Cooks finishes the season with 26 catches for 259 yards and three scores. The 31-year-old is set to hit free agency in the offseason. Though he was once an electric producer, Cooks’ fantasy outlook will depend on his 2025 landing spot and will likely be a low-end fantasy producer.

The Cowboys got Cooks involved early in this one. The veteran receiver hauled in a 16-yard reception on the second play of the game and made a 22-yard catch on Dallas’ second drive. Unfortunately, he would catch only two passes for 14 yards for the remainder of the day despite leading the team with eight targets. Cooks will likely see a similar role in Week 18’s season finale against the Commanders.