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The deal was announced Friday evening. Brandin Cooks, the lightening fast wideout with back-to-back 1,000 yd seasons was headed to New England, along with New Orleans' 4th round draft choice (#118 overall). In exchange, the Saints received the Patriots 1st round choice, 32nd overall, along with New England's 3rd round pick (selection #103). The worst kept secret in recent team history had come to fruition after almost two weeks of rumors.
When a player of Cooks' talent departs his team, there are always strong reactions from both the fanbase and from within the locker room. Some of Cooks' now ex-teammates took to their twitter accounts after last night's trade had been announced. Let's have a look at what they had to say:
— Terron Armstead (@T_Armstead72) March 11, 2017
@Patriots got a great one in @brandincooks one of the hardest workers and arguably best teammate I've had. Great friend. #shootyourarrows
— Tim Hightower (@Tim_Hightower) March 11, 2017
We get it... Nobody's safe #NotForLong 80,84,76,92,10
— cameron jordan (@camjordan94) March 11, 2017
So I can blow a game won & not win a sb over there?!?Nah I'm scr8 whodatnation til the end!!..Or till they don't want me no mo #whodat https://t.co/H6ZcDrSVKE
— cameron jordan (@camjordan94) March 11, 2017
— Mark Ingram II (@MarkIngram22) March 11, 2017
My dog @brandincooks... go eat bro! Always love here fam. ✊
— Mark Ingram II (@MarkIngram22) March 11, 2017
As many of us know, there were rumors and stories about Brandin Cooks' commitment to the Saints, questioning his desire to remain in New Orleans and his upcoming contractual status. This caused some conversation between players as well, including a former Saints icon.
He was not a locker room problem https://t.co/bl9F4Ts3po
— deuce mcallister (@dmcallister26) March 11, 2017
100% correct Deuce. Fantastic teammate with a tremendous attitude and work ethic. Nothing but praise for @brandincooks https://t.co/31xCVdyr3J
— Zach Strief (@ZachStrief) March 11, 2017
Please share the notes from your interview with @brandincooks when he told you he wants to get paid. We'll wait.... https://t.co/kh2LRvnVmw
— Benjamin Watson (@BenjaminSWatson) March 11, 2017
It doesn't really matter whether any of us think that Bill Belichick, the Emperor Palpatine of the NFL, managed to fleece the Saints in this trade or not. Whether Cooks really wanted out of New Orleans, or the reasons why, are now irrelevant.
Brandin Cooks is no longer a member of the New Orleans Saints, and this team needs to take full advantage of what it received in return. One rumor still has the Saints possibly sending that number 32 pick back to New England in exchange for cornerback Malcolm Butler. In the meantime, the Saints have five picks in the first 3 rounds of this spring's draft. Including two in the 1st round.
Stay tuned for a theory on what this trade will bring the Saints for the future. Share your own personal Twitter reactions to the Saints trade in the comments.