Elijah Cooks

Career StatsD

Year	Team	GP	Rec	Yards	TD
Career		9	3	38	—
2025		2	2	14	0
2024		2	—	—	—
2023		9

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

This Elijah Cooks signing earns an A- CVI and represents exactly the type of low-risk, high-upside move that savvy front offices execute in today's receiver-starved league. Getting a rotational player on a prove-it $1.0M AAV deal is textbook value hunting — the Saints are paying backup money for someone who could easily outproduce that investment if he stays healthy and finds chemistry with their quarterback. At this price point, Cooks doesn't need to be a game-changer to justify the contract; even solid WR4/WR5 production would make this worthwhile, and any breakout potential becomes pure profit. The one-year structure gives New Orleans maximum flexibility while allowing Cooks to bet on himself in what should be a favorable offensive system. For a team that needs reliable depth pieces rather than splashy acquisitions, this signing checks every box — minimal financial commitment with legitimate upside if Cooks can carve out a consistent role in the rotation.

Performance Analysis

Elijah Cooks earns a D for the Saints at wide receiver, a young player who has been trying to earn a spot in New Orleans's receiving rotation. Cooks has shown some ability to make plays downfield, but his consistency has not been at the level needed to earn regular targets. The Saints have been looking for reliable receiving options, and Cooks has been on the fringe of that conversation. His route running needs refinement, and he has struggled to separate from NFL-caliber corners. He has enough talent to keep the coaching staff interested, but the production needs to follow the potential.

Current Sentiment

Elijah Cooks enters the post-2026 Draft period in a precarious professional position after the New Orleans Saints released him as part of their post-draft roster restructuring. With just three career receptions and 38 receiving yards across two NFL seasons, Cooks has yet to establish himself as a reliable contributor at the professional level. The waiver designation, confirmed by multiple outlets simultaneously, signals that the Saints' coaching and personnel staff did not view him as part of their competitive plans moving forward. Media coverage surrounding Cooks is sparse but pointed, with every available headline centered on his release rather than any positive on-field development or emerging role. Unless he is claimed off waivers or signs with a new organization in the coming weeks, his immediate NFL future remains highly uncertain and his market value is at its lowest point to date.