Brandin Cooks on playing with Josh Allen: "Can't pass up that opportunity"

Receiver Brandin Cooks has opted to forgo $2.11 million in current and future guaranteed pay from the New Orleans Saints to pursue free agency. After clearing waivers, Cooks quickly signed with the Buffalo Bills, citing the opportunity to play with quarterback Josh Allen as a key factor. Questions have arisen regarding whether Cooks was aware of the Bills' interest prior to his release and if his agent negotiated with Buffalo before his departure from the Saints.

The situation involves a complex set of rules regarding contract adjustments and waiver claims. The Saints had altered Cooks' contract to deter other teams from claiming him on waivers, a move that was reversed due to league regulations. However, a separate rule that should have prevented the Saints from waiving Cooks after attempting to deter a waiver claim was not enforced.

The NFL has not provided clarification despite multiple requests, leading to speculation that enforcing these rules might conflict with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This has raised concerns among teams about the consistency