In hindsight, it’s odd that the New York Giants weren’t typically linked to veteran receiver Brandin Cooks this offseason.
Granted, the thought of an Odell Beckham Jr. reunion took over most of the post-draft receiver discussions.
Cooks, who turns 33 in September and is closing in on 10,000 yards, still wants to play, and he has an ideal destination.
Cooks told The Athletic he hopes to rejoin the Bills, where he finished last season. He remained unsigned as of publication, and there is no indication that Buffalo intends to add him before training camp.
Should the New York Giants pursue WR Brandin Cooks?
If Cooks is publicly trying to will a second stint with the Bills into existence, then there’s a chance he’s been Buffalo-or-bust for some time now.
“I want to prove that to them and have a full offseason with them,” Cooks said. “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.”
Realistically, then, the Giants likely never had a chance at Cooks, supposing that they had any interest.
Whether they should have been interested is another conversation.
I try to avoid making assumptions, though I want to slightly break that habit for a moment.
Cooks is still without a Super Bowl victory, though he’s played in the Big Game twice before. He hasn’t surpassed 700 receiving yards in a season since 2021, and he’s played for four teams the last four years.
At this point, would anyone blame Cooks if he’s ring-chasing? The Giants likely aren't close to competing for a Super Bowl title, especially with how loaded the NFC West and NFC North are.
Buffalo has Josh Allen and plays in a top-heavy AFC. The Giants are in a winnable NFC East, but they’re not built for a title run.
That said, Cooks would have theoretically made sense for the Giants even before Malik Nabers’ setbacks.
Cooks could have filled the exact same role that Odell Beckham Jr. took upon signing in June. Both are aging receivers likely to come off the bench if or when Nabers is ready to go.
However, Beckham played for John Harbaugh in Baltimore. Cooks never overlapped with either Harbaugh or offensive coordinator Matt Nagy.
If Cooks lands in Buffalo, he won’t see the Giants barring a team change or a Super Bowl matchup — and wouldn’t that be a dream scenario for everyone?
If the two sides don't get a deal done, and one or more of New York's offseason receiver additions disappoints in training camp, it could make sense to bring Cooks in.
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