Why Brandin Cooks’ Value is Worth a High Draft Pick in a Trade

Earlier today, The Minnesota Vikings won the draft pick coin toss against the Indianapolis Colts, meaning the Eagles will be picking 14th overall instead of 15th. Not a bad return for the Sam Bradford trade.

Ironically, the first round pick might not even be used for the upcoming draft. GM Howie Roseman knows that the struggling Eagles have needs at running back and wide receiver in order to help young quarterback Carson Wentz. The wide receiver void may be filled sooner rather than later via trade.

NFL analyst Chris Mortensen tweeted that New Orleans Saints wideout Brandin Cooks is on the trade market, but he will not be cheap. Ian Rapoport reports that Cooks will require at least a first round pick, while Alex Marvez of Sporting News reports it will take a second rounder and a player.

Our own Max Burka reports that a second round pick, a player, and a late round pick might do the deed.

Over three seasons, the 23 year-old receiver from Oregon State had 215 receptions for 2,861 yards with 20 touchdowns. He has already posted elite caliber numbers, and with as young as he is, Cooks only has room for improvement.

A young speedy Cooks would be a perfect fit for an Eagles squad that is so desperate for a number one wide receiver. Cooks has plenty of years left with tons of potential to be that number one option. He is not quite there yet. If he was, the Saints would not be interested in getting rid of him.

The Eagles have some options to work with this offseason. There has been some speculation in bringing back long-time Philadelphia fan-favorite DeSean Jackson. While this sounds appealing, Jackson is 30 years-old. Though he is a deep threat receiver, it is no secret that he is on the decline. With Cooks, the Eagles would be getting a receiver who is seven years younger and on the upside.

Kenny Stills, a hot commodity from the Miami Dolphins, is also a potential suitor for the Eagles. The only issue with signing Stills would be his asking price. After having the best season of his career, the price for Stills would be way too high. 

Trading for Cooks would give the Eagles a cheaper option. The Tennessee Titans are also in the running for Cooks, who would also be a good fit for quarterback Marcus Mariota.

Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) tweeted that Cooks is the driving force behind the trade. The reason he is involved in trade rumors is because he reportedly wants out of the Saints offense. While unloading Cooks would look good for the Saints salary cap, they still have receivers Brandon Coleman and Willie Snead who are restricted free agents they need to work out contracts for. They also have Michael Thomas, who is entering his sophomore season with plenty of upside. The Saints have a surplus in wideouts, so unloading Brandin Cooks would make sense for the franchise.

Cooks could flourish under the Eagles offense. Carson Wentz has proven last year to have “franchise quarterback” potential, and if the Eagles can acquire another weapon or two, this offense can turn out to be dangerous.

If the price is not too steep, this Cooks trade needs to be done. In a worst case scenario, the Eagles could and should trade the 14th overall pick to the Saints in exchange for him. If the Birds can get away with trading a second round pick, the trade could be considered a steal. Cooks would only count as $2 million against the Eagles salary cap, giving them plenty of wiggle room to add more weapons for Wentz.

Photo: Keith Allison (via: Wikimedia Commons)