Who Should I Start? Brandin Cooks or Troy Franklin

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, August 1, 10:52 PM

According to Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton, wide receiver Troy Franklin is "having a good camp." The 22-year-old had a quiet rookie season. However, he at least displayed some signs of promise by catching 28 passes for 263 yards and two touchdowns. The Broncos have plenty of capable receivers, specifically Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., and tight end Evan Engram. Still, there's room for Franklin to get more snaps throughout the 2025 campaign, especially if he continues to impress heading into Week 1. He already has a rapport with quarterback Bo Nix dating back to their collegiate days at Oregon, but it still may be tough for him to be involved consistently. As a result, Franklin's redraft value is limited, although his ceiling should rise if there is an injury to a member of the receiving corps during the season.