Buffalo Bills fans may not want to admit it, but the midseason addition of Brandin Cooks is shaping up to be an impactful one. The veteran wide receiver was a legitimate difference-maker in the team's thrilling 27-24 Wild Card win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Many considered Buffalo's decision to add a 32-year-old wideout as an underwhelming last-ditch attempt to bolster star quarterback Josh Allen's supporting cast. But who's laughing now? Cooks delivered when the Bills needed him most against the Jaguars, including a massive 36-yard grab in the late stages of the game.
BRANDIN. COOKS.
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 11, 2026
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/gbfzrsZLw3
Allen was asked about the connection he and Cooks appear to be developing on the fly following the victory over Jacksonville. By the sound of it, there's a clear sense of appreciation for having an adult in the receiver room.
Josh Allen highlights importance of Brandin Cooks after Bills' dramatic playoff win vs. Jaguars
The Bills signed Cooks to the active roster on Nov. 25. He had just five regular-season games to get up to speed with the playbook and on the same page with everyone. That's no easy task, especially during a stretch run for a club with Super Bowl aspirations, so Allen made sure to give credit where due:
"Yeah, it's been awesome. [Cooks is] a true pro's pro. Does everything the right way. He's always in the building, he's always learning, always on the sidelines getting extra catches. Just does everything the right way, and then he's a hell of a teammate. We love having him here."Josh Allen on Brandin Cooks
We shouldn't overlook the magnitude of the moment. The Bills' backs were against the wall, plus they hadn't won a postseason game on the road since 1992 before beating the Jags. Given the circumstances, Allen and Buffalo leaned on Cooks, which proved to pay dividends.
Cooks' numbers against the Jaguars may not jump off the screen, posting three catches for 58 scoreless yards, though his presence was felt. Allen and the Bills were comfortable targeting "The Archer" with their season on the line; they even drew up the aforementioned reception for him.
READ MORE: Josh Allen's go-to weapon joins elite franchise history in win vs. Jaguars
"Put in something this week, and we ran it there [on] the last drive with B. Cooks running down to the post," Allen said. "Solid look, and we executed it."
Designing plays for Cooks, who's on the back nine of his productive and underappreciated career, in 2026 is a daring choice. It somehow perfectly encapsulates Buffalo's well-chronicled lack of viable pass-catchers and the trust they have in him. Nevertheless, fortune favors the bold, as Bills Mafia is learning in real time.