Brandin Cooks Excited to Play with Josh Allen: ‘An Opportunity You Can’t Pass Up!’

Receiver Brandin Cooks made a notable move by giving up $2.11 million in guaranteed pay to chase a chance at free agency. Shortly after clearing waivers, he headed to Buffalo to join quarterback Josh Allen.

“I’m excited to play with Josh,” Cooks shared with reporters. “Everyone talks about how special this organization is and how well they treat players. It’s always about the game, and I’m really grateful to be here.”

Yet, there are lingering questions. Did Cooks know the Bills were interested before he forfeited the money? Was there any talk between his agent and the Bills while he was still with the Saints?

Another issue remains unaddressed: a rule preventing the Saints from releasing him after they altered his contract to stop other teams from claiming him.

Cooks praised the Saints, saying, “They were incredible during this process and helped me make decisions. It’s part of the game, right? There are rules involved.”

Interestingly, one rule was followed by nullifying a contract change that would have raised his 2026 guarantee. However, another rule—prohibiting the player from being waived after an attempt to alter a contract—was not observed.

The NFL has yet to clarify these situations despite multiple inquiries. This ambiguity raises concerns. If rules are in place but aren’t followed, teams might wonder about their purpose. The NFL Players Association could see this as a potential conflict, possibly leading to claims of collusion.

In recent years, player movement has become a hot topic. According to a 2022 survey, over 75% of players believe the league needs to respect contracts better. As teams and players navigate this complex landscape, Cooks’ situation highlights the need for clarity in the rules governing player transactions.

Moving forward, it’s crucial for the NFL to address these issues head-on. Otherwise, it could undermine trust between players and management. History shows us that transparency fuels better relationships in sports. After all, it’s all about the game—and the players who make it exciting.



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