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After plenty of speculation, New Orleans Saints Head Coach Sean Payton insisted that he “absolutely” expects Wide Receiver Brandin Cooks to be back as a member of the Saints in 2017.
Then today happened.
Rumors are already beginning to swirl that the Saints are in trade talks involving Cooks. The Philadelphia Eagles are listed as a potential suitor, and were one of the teams listed as a potential landing spot back at our CSC Roundtable earlier last month. Also of note, the Tennessee Titans are another team that looks to be a potential fit.
Saints WR Brandin Cooks is the object of trade talks with the Titans and Eagles identified as two interested suitors, per league sources.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 2, 2017
Obviously nothing is official yet, but it’s no surprise that Cooks would be eyed by other teams across the NFL.
Brandin Cooks will get a lot of interest if on the trade market. Since 2014 Cooks has 11 TD grabs of 30 yards or more. Only Odell has more
— trey wingo (@wingoz) March 2, 2017
The Saints would almost certainly be seeking a first round pick in exchange for Cooks, and with a deep defensive draft class, another first round pick could only help fortify that unit.
If Cooks is indeed traded, look for Saints Tight End Coby Fleener to be asked to take on a bigger role in the passing game, and don’t be shocked if the Saints signed a free agent WR to take Cooks’ place, like Bears WR Alshon Jeffery or the Redskins DeSean Jackson.