The latest NFL rumors suggest the Buffalo Bills could reunite with former $124M star wide receiver Brandin Cooks before NFL Training Camp. While teams are preparing for camp this month, many should expect several free agents, including Deebo Samuel, Keenan Allen and Bobby Wagner, to find a new home. Originally selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, the former Oregon State product had the chance to sit down to reflect on where he envisions his next landing spot. While he’s expected to sign with a team, he’d prefer to re-join the Bills and QB Josh Allen:
“Obviously, Buffalo is the place I’d love to be,” Cooks said. “I want to prove that to them and have a full offseason with them. 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.”
It’s easy to see why the veteran wants to head back to Buffalo. Last season, the pass-catcher had his moments throughout the 2025 season, including a pivotal and controversial ruling where a deep pass was intercepted by cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian in overtime. It’s no wonder why he wants to redeem himself, but the team did trade for a receiver this offseason.
NFL Rumors: $124M Star Eyes Bills Return; Open to Suitors
The Bills originally brought Cooks on a one-year deal to stabilize the receiving corps for Allen. Between Joshua Palmer, Keon Coleman and Tyrell Shavers, the team heavily struggled, and Khalil Shakir took the majority of the workload. However, with Moore stepping in, do the Bills really need Cooks? Buffalo considered trading Coleman this offseason, but decided against it to give him a clean slate this upcoming campaign.
Meanwhile, Palmer is viewed as a cut candidate. Perhaps the veteran could compete with Palmer during camp for the starting slot role. If not, here are three teams that might be willing to roll the dice on the journeyman receiver.
Possible Fits Emerge
Chicago Bears
After being forced to move Moore via a trade this offseason, the Chicago Bears are left with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden as their top receivers. Despite signing Kalif Raymond to a one-year deal, there’s still room to strengthen the receiving unit with experience. The Bears have one of the youngest pass-catchers in the league, and adding Cooks could increase their chances for playoff success.
Chicago selected Zavion Thomas in the draft this year, but he won’t be ready for full-time snaps. The free agent could share the ball with Raymond in the aerial attack.
Atlanta Falcons
Meanwhile, the Falcons may have one of the worst QB rooms, but they must do everything they can to help Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. this upcoming season. After losing Darnell Mooney, the Falcons signed Jahan Dotson while reuniting with Olamide Zacchaeus. This isn’t enough for Atlanta to win, especially with this being head coach Kevin Stefanski’s first year with the Falcons.
Cooks won’t be the savior of this offense, but they need to do everything to increase their chances to appear in the wild-card next year.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City enters the 2026 season with an odd receiving room. Rashee Rice hasn’t been able to stay out of trouble, while Xavier Worthy is finally showing signs of improvement. Tyquan Thornton is solid, but he’s more of a rotational pass-catcher. With Travis Kelce married to Taylor Swift, the veteran is on his way out to retirement after this upcoming campaign.
Cooks isn’t the final solution to the Chiefs’ WR woes, but it’d give QB Patrick Mahomes another receiver to lean on, especially with him returning from a season-ending injury.
