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New England Patriots Reportedly Acquire Brandin Cooks from Saints

By Nick Ziegler

Nov 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) with the ball as Carolina Panthers defensive back Leonard Johnson (23) and outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) defend in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) with the ball as Carolina Panthers defensive back Leonard Johnson (23) and outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) defend in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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According to reports, the New England Patriots have acquired Brandin Cooks from the New Orleans Saints for two draft picks.

The New England Patriots have reportedly acquired wide receiver Brandin Cooks from the New Orleans Saints for two draft picks.

For the past week, the Patriots have interested in acquiring Cooks from the Saints. There were reports about swapping Malcolm Butler for Cooks, but it ended up being draft picks that got the deal done.

The trade will send the Patriots’ first and third round picks to the Saints for Cooks and their fourth round pick. This move continues a busy offseason for the Patriots and gives them another talented weapon on offense.

Last season, Cooks totaled 78 receptions, 1,173 receiving yards, and eight receiving touchdowns. According to Pro Football Focus, Cooks was ranked as the 28th best wide receiver in the NFL last season.

Cooks will be joining an offense that has Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Malcolm Mitchell, and Chris Hogan. With the addition of Cooks, the Patriots offense might have the best weapons at skill positions that we have seen in the Tom Brady era.

As the defending champions, adding Cooks will help improve the offense in 2017. Cooks’ ability to line up in multiple spots as a wide receiver will fit in nicely with the Patriots’ offensive schemes.

The real interesting thing is that the Patriots were also able to keep Butler despite the trade. It will be interesting to see what the Patriots decide to with Butler now, as they also signed Stephon Gilmore this offseason.

Next: 5 Reasons Why Pats Can Repeat as Champs

Not trading Butler for Cooks could mean that the Patriots will be attempting to really go all-out for a sixth ring. The addition of Cooks certainly makes the Patriots’ offense better in 2017. However, he is set to make a lot of money soon in the final year of his contract. The first round pick for Cooks could be an expensive price to pay if Cooks doesn’t sign a long-term deal with the Patriots.

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