Who Should I Start? Brandin Cooks or Jalen Royals

Friday, March 21, 3:11 PM

Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks has inked a two-year $13 million deal with the New Orleans Saints, per Mike Garafolo -- the 31-year-old returns to the team that drafted him. Cooks was plagued by a knee injury in 2024 -- an MCL sprain that evolved into an infection -- forcing him from seven games. Still, he was the team's clear No. 2 wideout ahead of Jalen Tolbert when healthy. Despite the time missed, he'd score the third-most receiving touchdowns (three) of any Cowboys pass-catcher. Whether or not Cooks will make an impact in fantasy is unclear. However, he provides a valuable second option on the field alongside teammate Chris Olave, with Rashid Shaheed's (knee) status undetermined after a mid-season meniscus injury.

Friday, July 25, 1:10 PM

Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals continues to impress early in training camp and had one of the best days on the field during practice on Friday, according to Jesse Newell of The Kansas City Star. Royals had an impressive back-shoulder sideline catch on a pass from quarterback Patrick Mahomes as he continues to work in with the starting offensive unit. The 22-year-old fourth-round selection also turned heads in Wednesday's practice while working alongside Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown, almost of his time with the first-team offense has come when Rashee Rice hasn't been on the field. It's notable because of the fact that Rice could be suspended three or four games to start the 2025 season, so Royals could have a role early on for the Chiefs. When Rice is available, though, Royals will face an uphill battle for consistent playing time, especially with KC using a lot of two-TE formations.