Career Timeline of Brandin Cooks: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Brandin Cooks, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Brandin Cooks is an American professional football wide receiver, currently a free agent. A standout at Oregon State, where he was a consensus All-American, he was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Throughout his NFL career, Cooks has played for several teams, including the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, and Dallas Cowboys, showcasing his talent and adaptability across different offensive systems.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1950: Ken Carpenter Drafted

In 1950, Ken Carpenter was drafted 13th overall, the highest an Oregon State player had been drafted until Brandin Cooks was drafted in 2014.

2011: Started Playing at Oregon State

In 2011, Brandin Cooks began playing football at Oregon State under head coach Mike Riley.

2012: Second-Place Finish in Track Event

In 2012, Brandin Cooks earned a second-place finish in the 60-meter dash at the UW Invitational, clocking a personal-best time of 6.81 seconds.

2012: Sophomore Season at Oregon State

In 2012, Brandin Cooks had a strong sophomore season at Oregon State, including standout performances against Wisconsin, UCLA, Arizona, and BYU. He finished the season with 67 receptions for 1,151 yards and five touchdowns, forming a dynamic duo with Markus Wheaton.

2013: Finished Playing at Oregon State

In 2013, Brandin Cooks concluded his football career at Oregon State under head coach Mike Riley.

2013: Record-Breaking Season at Oregon State

In 2013, Brandin Cooks had a record-breaking season at Oregon State, starting with impressive performances against Eastern Washington, Hawaii, and Utah. He set Pac-12 Conference records with 128 receptions for 1,730 yards and 16 touchdowns.

2013: Awarded Fred Biletnikoff Award

In 2013, Brandin Cooks won the Fred Biletnikoff Award and was a consensus All-American after a record-breaking season. He also set school records and teamed up with Sean Mannion for a school record in receiving touchdowns.

January 2, 2014: Declared for NFL Draft

On January 2, 2014, Brandin Cooks announced that he would forgo his senior season and enter the 2014 NFL draft.

May 18, 2014: Signed Contract with Saints

On May 18, 2014, Brandin Cooks signed a four-year contract with the New Orleans Saints worth $8.3 million.

2014: Rookie Season

In 2014, Brandin Cooks had his rookie season.

2014: Drafted by the Saints

In 2014, Brandin Cooks was drafted by the New Orleans Saints.

2015: Decrease in Targets

In 2015 Brandin Cooks had 129 targets.

2015: First Season as Saints' #1 Wide Receiver

In 2015, Brandin Cooks began the season as the #1 wide receiver for the Saints, recording his first 100-yard game against the Philadelphia Eagles and contributing to a record-tying seven touchdowns thrown by Drew Brees against the New York Giants.

2015: Continued Success with the Saints

In 2015, Brandin Cooks had notable performances, including two touchdowns against the Washington Redskins and a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers, contributing significantly to the Saints' offense.

2016: Career-High Receiving Yards

In 2016, Brandin Cooks finished the season with 78 receptions for a career-high 1,173 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, ranking seventh in the NFL in receiving yards.

2016: Breakout Season with the Saints

In 2016, Brandin Cooks had a breakout season with the Saints, recording a 98-yard touchdown pass against the Oakland Raiders, setting a franchise record. He also had a notable performance against the Panthers, with seven receptions for 173 yards and an 87-yard touchdown.

March 10, 2017: Traded to the New England Patriots

On March 10, 2017, Brandin Cooks was traded to the New England Patriots for draft picks.

April 3, 2018: Traded to the Los Angeles Rams

On April 3, 2018, Brandin Cooks was traded to the Los Angeles Rams.

2019: Lowest Totals Since Rookie Season

In 2019, Brandin Cooks had 42 receptions for 583 yards and two touchdowns. These were all his lowest totals since his rookie season.

April 10, 2020: Traded to the Houston Texans

On April 10, 2020, Brandin Cooks was traded to the Houston Texans.

2020: Donation to Stockton Children's Fund

In 2020, Brandin Cooks donated $50,000 to his hometown of Stockton, California, to establish the Stockton Children's Fund, which serves local children impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

2020: 1,000-Yard Receiving Season with Texans

In 2020, Brandin Cooks finished the season with 81 receptions for 1,150 yards and six touchdowns with the Texans. He joined Brandon Marshall as the only players in NFL history to record a 1,000-yard receiving season with four different teams.

April 7, 2022: Signed Contract Extension with Texans

On April 7, 2022, Brandin Cooks signed a two-year contract extension with the Houston Texans worth $39.6 million with $36 million guaranteed.

March 19, 2023: Traded to the Dallas Cowboys

On March 19, 2023, Brandin Cooks was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, tying the NFL all-time record for most traded player.

March 21, 2025: Signed with the New Orleans Saints

On March 21, 2025, Brandin Cooks signed a two-year contract with the New Orleans Saints, the team that drafted him in the first round in 2014. He was released on November 19.