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Cooks arrives in San Francisco at a critical juncture for the franchise, which has been forced to manage a depleted wide receiver room throughout the current season. The team is currently dealing with injuries to Ricky Pearsall, De'Zhaun Stribling, and Demarcus Robinson, while veteran Mike Evans is also being monitored due to a hip issue.
A Veteran Addition to the Receiving Corps
With 12 seasons of NFL experience, Cooks brings significant pedigree to the 49ers' practice facility. Originally selected 20th overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 2014 NFL Draft out of Oregon State, he spent his first three professional seasons in New Orleans. His career has since spanned several organizations, including the New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans, and Dallas Cowboys. Throughout his tenure in the league, he has recorded 734 career receptions for 9,811 yards and 62 total touchdowns.
Cooks' most recent stint saw him return to the Saints in 2025 before he was waived in November following a requested release. He subsequently finished the year with the Buffalo Bills. His time in Buffalo was marked by a notable moment during the divisional round against the Denver Broncos, where a contested catch attempt in overtime resulted in an interception by cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian. The ruling, which effectively ended the Bills' season, drew significant post-game criticism from then-head coach Sean McDermott regarding the officiating process.
Building on Extensive Experience
Beyond his statistical production, Cooks offers the 49ers experience on the league's biggest stages. He has appeared in two Super Bowls, playing in Super Bowl LII with the New England Patriots and Super Bowl LIII with the Los Angeles Rams, though he finished on the losing side in both contests.
As he integrates into the San Francisco setup, the focus remains on his transition to the team's offensive scheme. The 49ers will look to leverage his veteran presence to provide stability while managing the ongoing injury concerns affecting their primary receiving options.
