Brandin Cooks Trade Rumors

              

Advocate photo by SCOTT THRELKELD

New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and coach Sean Payton have recognized that the team would need a substantial return in order to trade wide receiver Brandin Cooks. If the Saints choose to move Cooks, they're hoping to receive a draft pick in the middle of the first round, according to two sources with knowledge of the negotiations.

Cooks still has one year left on his original four-year deal and to no one’s surprise, he is seeking a new contract. If he does go the Eagles, they would be able to exercise his 5th year option and have him under control through 2018 at a cost of approximately $10 million.

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Chris Mortensen reported that the Saints receiver was the object of trade talks among the Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles. Cooks caught 78 receptions for 1,173 yards and 8 touchdowns. These numbers come from a guy that has Drew Brees as his quarterback. If Cooks gets traded to the Eagles or Titans, his numbers should look really similar for the 2017 season.

The Saints offense ranked top three in the NFL in yardage in each of the past three seasons. The defense however, has finished 27th or worse each of those years, which is why the team is seeking extra assets. If they trade Cooks for a first round pick, New Orleans could land two great defensive players in the first round.