Brandin Cooks Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz, Speculation Surrounding Saints WR

Brandin Cooks wasn't targeted in the team's 49-21 Week 12 win over the Los Angeles Rams, and the New Orleans Saints wide receiver appeared to express his frustration with a message on social media, which could lead to his departure in the future.

Continue for updates.

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Payton Denies Cooks Trade Rumors 

Sunday, Dec. 4

Saints head coach Sean Payton told reporters that "it's a false report" that the team is reportedly looking to move Cooks.

"Expect trade talks centered around Cooks leading up to the free-agency window, with the speedster no doubt set to draw interest," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport wrote on Sunday morning.

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Cooks Reportedly Frustrated with Saints 

Tuesday, Nov. 29

In an Instagram post on Nov. 28, Cooks wrote, "They tell you it's a business. Well I guess I have to turn into a businessman. #shootyourarrows."

According to ESPN.com's Mike Triplett, "Sources have indicated throughout this season that Cooks has felt a growing frustration with his usage—mostly the idea that he is used too often as a clear-out receiver instead of as a primary option."

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Cooks Among NFL's Most Dynamic WRs

Cooks has notched 51 catches for 736 yards and six touchdowns so far this season, but he's been relatively quiet of late. After he posted three catches for 98 yards and a score against the Denver Broncos, he recorded 42 yards on seven catches in a loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 11. 

Additionally, Cooks hasn't topped 100 receiving yards in a game since New Orleans' 41-38 win over the Panthers on Oct. 16. 

But despite Cooks' downturn in production, Payton told reporters the team hasn't moved away from the receiver as a primary option. Rather, Payton pointed to the way defenses have game-planned for New Orleans' speedster as the primary reason for his statistical slippage. 

"I think part of it's the result of some of the coverages," Payton said, per Triplett. "There were certainly calls with his name and number on it, and periodically once in a while that can happen."