49ers Sign Veteran WR Brandin Cooks to Practice Squad

Free agent wide receiver Brandin Cooks has agreed to join the San Francisco 49ers’ practice squad, according to a source speaking to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The signing is initially aimed at allowing Cooks to acclimate to the team’s systems ahead of potential game action.

The 32‑year‑old receiver will add depth to a 49ers roster that has lost wideouts Ricky Pearsall, De’Zhaun Stribling and Demarcus Robinson to injuries this season. Meanwhile, veteran Mike Evans is being managed this week after sustaining a hip injury.

Originally selected 20th overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2014 draft, Cooks spent his first three seasons with the franchise. He returned to New Orleans in 2025 but was released in November following a request for his own release. He then signed with the Buffalo Bills for the remainder of that year.

Cooks was involved in a pivotal controversial play that helped end the Bills’ postseason run. During the overtime period of a divisional round matchup against the Denver Broncos, a deep pass from quarterback Josh Allen appeared to be secured by Cooks before the ball was stripped as he fell to the ground. The play was officially ruled an interception by Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian, and the Bills never recovered the ball. Bills head coach Sean McDermott expressed strong frustration with the officiating after the game.

Beyond his time in New Orleans and Buffalo, Cooks has also played for the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys. He has appeared in two Super Bowls—LII with the Patriots and LIII with the Rams—both of which ended in defeat.

In a 12‑season career, Cooks has recorded 734 receptions for 9,811 yards and 62 touchdown catches.

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