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Bills unlikely to bring back Brandin Cooks.

The Buffalo Bills could be moving on from Brandin Cooks.

Buffalo signed Cooks in November to bolster the wide receiver room after he was released by the New Orleans Saints. Cooks became a star receiver in the Bills’ offense, as he was a deep ball threat and gave Josh Allen another weapon.

After the Bills’ season came to an end, many fans called for the team to re-sign Cooks. However, after the NFL Draft, insider Matt Parrino of Syracuse.com and The Shout Podcast said he doesn’t think Cooks will return to the lineup.

“It’s going to be a numbers game,” Parrino said on The Shout Podcast. “I know a lot of people talked about the Bills rekindling conversations with the Bills. I don’t know if Cooks is coming back into the mix here, because I don’t know what kind of role is waiting for him.”

Parrino’s co-host, Ryan Talbot, also agreed. But, he thinks Cooks could return mid-season as he did last year if he doesn’t find a new home.

“Cooks could be one of those in-season singings, if an injury were to occur. Not to say he won’t have any potential other suitors out there, post-draft. But, you are right, the room is crowded,” Talbot added.

Cooks recorded 5 receptions for 114 yards in the regular season and added 5 receptions for 78 yards in the playoffs.

Bills Draft Skyler Bell

Why Buffalo may not bring back Cooks is that the Bills selected Skyler Bell in the NFL Draft.

Buffalo selected Bell with the 125th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and is expected to make an impact on the offense. He’s also confident he will make an impact in the offense as he can play anywhere.

“I would say I’m dynamic; I’m explosive, versatile,” said Bell. “I could do a lot of different things, inside, outside, deep ball, contested catches, intermediate catches. So, I think I could do a lot of different things.”

Bills general manager Brandon Beane said he can play inside and outside and brings a different element to the offense. Head coach Joe Brady is also excited to coach Bell.

“He has versatility,” said Brady. “They asked him to do a lot of different things at Connecticut.”

Bell recorded 101 receptions for 1,278 yards and 13 touchdowns last season at UConn.

Buffalo Had Talks With Cooks

Before the NFL Draft, the Bills had conversations with Cooks on a potential return.

Bills reporter Alaina Getznberg of ESPN reported earlier this month that Buffalo has kept in contact with Cooks.

“The Bills remain in touch with veteran receiver Brandin Cooks, who spent the end of last season with the team,” Getzenberg wrote.

Bills quarterback, Josh Allen, meanwhile, had high praise for Cooks and what he brought to the offense.

“He’s been around the league for a long time, The way that he carries himself, the way that he is in meetings,” said Allen. “Already, it’s very apparent that he’s a true professional to come out here and practice the way that he did it speaks a lot about who he is as a person, as a player.”

Yet, Cooks’ time with the Bills could be short-lived.