New England Patriots Acquire WR Brandin Cooks From New Orleans Saints

According to theScore, the New England Patriots acquired New Orleans Saints WR Brandin Cooks on Friday evening.

Report: Saints trade Brandin Cooks to Patriots for package including 1st-rd pick. https://t.co/k58e5Y689v pic.twitter.com/PR2stlxWQO

— theScore (@theScore) March 11, 2017

Reports indicate the Saints will receive New England’s 2017 first-round pick, which is No. 32 overall, along with their third rounder (No. 118).

From theScore:

In what is already their third trade of the young offseason, the New England Patriots have pulled off a blockbuster deal by acquiring wide receiver Brandin Cooks from the New Orleans Saints, sources tell ESPN’s Dianna Russini.

The Patriots will reportedly send their first-round pick (No. 32 overall) and a third-round pick (No. 103 overall) in exchange for Cooks and a fourth-rounder (No. 118).

Cooks adds yet another element to an already dynamic Patriots passing attack, giving Brady a receiver capable of not only making plays after the catch but also taking the top off the defense.

The 23-year-old was a consistent contributor for a similarly explosive Saints offense over each of the past two years, tallying a total of 162 catches for 2,311 yards and 17 touchdowns.

For New England, the fact that the former first-round pick still has two years remaining on an inexpensive rookie contract adds even more value.

New England has been incredibly aggressive this offseason. It’s clear that Tom Brady and Bill Belichick intend on winning another ring at minimum over the next few seasons.