Danno

Brandin Cooks' frustrations led to Saints sending him to Patriots

It had been rumored for months. And yet, when the Saints traded star wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the Patriots in March, it was one of the most shocking circumstances of this offseason.

According to multiple sources informed of the situation in New Orleans, Cooks was dealt because of a combination of his unhappiness with his role, his doubts that aging quarterback Drew Brees could get him the ball deep, the Saints' frustrations with Cooks focusing on his numbers and their disbelief he should be paid like a top receiver.

"Closed mouths don't get fed," he told reporters. Internally, when Payton discussed the issue with Cooks, the receiver never left satisfied. The longtime coach pacified the issue, telling Cooks he'd get targets. And the following week he did -- a season-high seven catches the next week. But Cooks felt the elephant in the room -- Brees' arm strength not enabling him to find Cooks deep -- couldn't be talked about on any level.

Brandin Cooks' frustrations led to Saints sending him to Patriots - NFL.com