ESPN's Chris Mortenson says New Orleans Saints are open to trading wide receiver Brandin Cooks. Cooks was drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He has 215 receptions, 2,861 yards and 20 touchdowns in three seasons.
The Bengals took a look at Cooks before he was drafted by the Saints in 2014. He is only 23-years-old and is one of the fastest players in the NFL. I was asked earlier today if Cooks would be a good fit with the Bengals? Of course he would help the Bengals' offense, but it all depends in what the Saints would want in return.
Cooks has been productive and will draw interest across the league, but a first round pick from the Bengals isn't happening. I consider that a good thing. I'm guessing the Saints leaked this information to drum up as much interest as possible. I'd be open to giving up a third and a fifth round pick for Cooks. It wouldn't hurt the Bengals too much because they have 11 picks in this years' draft. Plus, they have a valuable trade chip with A.J. McCarron.
I wouldn't trade a second round pick for Cooks. He's very talented, but there's a reason the Saints are shopping him. He wants "out of the New Orleans' offense" according to a report. The Saints traded Kenny Stills in 2015 for a third round pick. Stills is a young wide receiver with great speed. Cooks might be a bigger name, but maybe the Saints would accept similar compensation for him.
I think it's time for the Bengals to release Adam Jones.
Here's an in-depth look at Bengals' free agency.
Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com believes they will stand by Jeremy Hill and could lose Kevin Zeitler.
The Bengals should be interested in free agent Nick Mangold.
Pro Football Focus' latest mock draft would be ideal for the Bengals.
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Email me: JamesRapien@iheartmedia.com