Brandin Cooks Trade Rumors: Saints' Timeline for Decision Reportedly Revealed

The New Orleans Saints are reportedly set to make a decision on whether they will trade wide receiver Brandin Cooks on Friday.

According to Michael Lombardi of The Ringer, the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots are the top suitors for the dynamic wideout.

ESPN's Dianna Russini reported Thursday that New England was considering a trade of cornerback Malcolm Butler for Cooks.

ESPN's Chris Mortensen added that the asking price is high for Cooks, as the Saints want a quality defensive starter along with draft picks over two years in return.

The 23-year-old Cooks was a first-round pick in the 2014 NFL draft and has developed into a big-play threat in New Orleans' high-powered offense.

Cooks is one of only three receivers in the NFL to register at least 1,100 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns in each of the past two seasons.

The former Oregon State standout is also a significant bargain with a cap hit of just $2.667 million for 2017, per Spotrac.

Cooks could become a free agent next offseason, although the Saints are able to exercise a fifth-year option in his contract if they so choose.

The Saints ranked first in the NFL in passing offense last season, but with Michael Thomas, Willie Snead and the newly signed Ted Ginn Jr., per Russini, wide receiver is a position of strength that could be dealt from to improve on the defensive side of the ball.