Buffalo Bills face tough call on veteran WR Brandin Cooks' future

Brandin Cooks remains a free agent as Buffalo Bills weigh options

The Buffalo Bills are weighing whether to bring back veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks after his one-year, $1.255 million deal expired. The Bills sit 6th in the American Football Conference with a 12-5 record and on a W1 streak heading into their next game vs Houston Texans on 2026-09-13.

Which teams could land Brandin Cooks?

The Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons have emerged as potential suitors for Cooks. Kansas City needs another reliable target for Patrick Mahomes while Chicago could use a veteran presence in a young receiver group. Atlanta’s unsettled quarterback situation also makes Cooks an attractive option.

Why Cooks wants to return to Buffalo

Cooks told reporters he’d love to return to Buffalo. “Obviously Buffalo is the place I’d love to be,” he said. “I want to prove that to them and have a full offseason with them.” The Bills have added Elijah Moore since last season, crowding the receiving room with Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman still on the roster.

Contract value and production

Cooks earned over $124 million in career contract value despite playing last season on a modest $1.255 million deal. His experience and production could still make him a key signing for a contender needing a reliable receiver. The Bills must decide soon whether to re-sign him or risk losing him to rivals before training camp.

What happens next for the Bills

Buffalo faces a tight call on Cooks. The Bills’ front office must balance cap space against the need for veteran leadership. If they pass, the Chiefs, Bears or Falcons could swoop in quickly. Either way, Cooks’ next move will shape the Bills’ offense before Week 1.