The Patriots Really Want Brandin Cooks
Brandin Cooks is on the market, and there's a new suitor in the mix. The New England Patriots are making a play for the speedy wideout, but the Saints aren't biting.
News broke this week that Cooks is most likely on his way out of New Orleans, and several teams, including the Eagles and Titans, already gave Saints General Manager Mickey Loomis a call. Loomis went on the record saying it would take a lot to acquire Cooks, but the Patriots still decided to throw their hat in the ring.
Josh Katzenstein of NOLA.com and The Times-Picayune reported the Patriots offered their first round pick (32nd overall) for Cooks, but the Saints weren't interested.
Now that Cooks is on the block, New Orleans is going to try to cash in for as much as possible. Every competing offer gives the Saints more leverage to ask for more in return for Cooks, so this might not be the last offer we see from New England.
Bill Belichick is a big fan of Cooks' game. Undoubtedly, the Patriots would find a way to use his speed in their offense, and Cooks would still get to work with an elite quarterback. New England would probably be the best landing spot for Cooks, but it's not the most attractive deal for the Saints.
Like it or not, Cooks isn't staying with the Saints. Now, it's just a matter of what New Orleans can get in return for their former first round pick. With so many needs to address, the Saints will try to ask for a king's ransom.
New Orleans fans will be paying close attention to every offer that comes across Loomis' table. Who Dat Nation can only hope he makes the right choice.