Philadelphia Eagles Rumors: Could Brandin Cooks Come to Philly?

Could a young wide receiver be on his way to join the Philadelphia Eagles? The trade wires say the Eagles might be positioning to make a move.

Ole Howie. Up to his tricks again.

After a whirlwind offseason of trades in 2016 (see: DeMarco Murray, Kiko Alonso, Byron Maxwell, Dorial Green-Beckham, Sam Bradford–oh, and that Carson Wentz guy), Roseman has resumed his wheeling-and-dealing ways as the NFL Combine–and 2017 NFL season–get underway.

ESPN’s Chris Mortenson had it first, reporting that the Titans and the Eagles had inquired about New Orleans third-year WR Brandin Cooks. The Titans, according to Mortenson, held the edge over Philadelphia in negotiations up to this point, but no movement can happen until Thursday, March 9th. That’s when the league year begins.

The 20th overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2014, Cooks didn’t see much of the playing field his rookie year. However, across the past two seasons, he has amassed 17 touchdowns on 162 receptions. He also had 1000 yard seasons in both 2015 and 2016.

In those two years, the Philadelphia Eagles have had, oh, roughly zero 1000 yard receivers.

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Cooks is a speed demon who plays bigger than his size (5’10, 190 lbs). A YAC monster, he would fit right in to Doug Pederson‘s West Coast, quick passing offense. In 2015, he had the 10th-most yards after the catch among WRs; in 2016, 18th.

Cooks would come to Philadelphia with only 1 year remaining on his rookie deal, with a base salary of $1.56M, per Spotrac. He does have a fifth-year option that a team could pick up, probably in the neighborhood of $8M, if they so choose.

While the Eagles are pretty strapped for cap space this year (projected $9M available before cuts) and next year (projected $2M available before cuts), they gain a lot more freedom in 2019 with a projected $71M in space. This would be the time at which a Cooks extension would be necessary, should he come to Philly. So the money is available.

But what would it cost to trade for Cooks? Well, the Titans’ deal likely appeals to the Saints more due to their two first round draft picks. While they don’t own a Round 2 pick, the Titans have plenty of ammunition with the #5 and #18 OVR picks. Mortenson mentions in his report that the Titans could potentially trade #18 straight-up for Cooks, or swap #5 with the Saints’ #11 and still grab Cooks.

Is Cooks, a former 20th overall selection, worth #18 outright? Probably not, but the Titans might be willing to overpay a bit. They’re only a few pieces away from the playoffs, and a dynamic WR is one of those pieces.

Philly, however, isn’t as close to the cusp of contention as Tennessee. Their only 1st-round selection could address multiple glaring needs: CB, WR, or RB. Now, if they intend on going WR in Round 1, Cooks’ proven NFL production is likely a much safer bet than the potential of a Corey Davis or Mike Williams. But Cooks will quickly become a lot more expensive than one of those players.

If the Philadelphia Eagles do choose to trade for Cooks, it will reveal the front office’s opinion of their readiness. Making a deal for Cooks means Roseman, Lurie, and Pederson truly believe that this team can compete in 2018, at the latest 2019. Not making the deal doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t have that faith. Perhaps Tennessee just outbid them.

Speaking of which, if the Eagles are unwilling to unload that 1st-round pick given their need for a lockdown corner and bell cow back, what other packages could be possible?

As of right now, Kendricks and a 3rd is the prevailing favorite. The Saints have an absolute mess at linebacker right now, and just recently switched defensive coordinators. Dennis Allen, their new play caller, loves to run various sub packages and schemes, so an athlete and elite blitzer like Kendricks might find a home there. Current WLB Dannell Ellerbe is only under contract for this year. Recent draft picks Hau’oli Kikaha and Stephone Anthony both have struggled to find fits along the linebacking core. Craig Robertson ended the season their starting MLB. Never heard of him? Yeah.

Realistically, Kendricks and a 2nd would be the deal. He’s under contract for the next 3 years and wouldn’t hit the cap as hard as Barwin. The Eagles’ 2nd round pick, #42 overall, has a lot of power given how early it sits in the 2nd.

Next: Bears Not Expected To Tag Alshon Jeffrey

As the new year grows nearer, more information will certainly leak. Roseman has a history of making moves–and generally coming out on top–this time of year. He often strings trades together (as we saw last year) to achieve a goal far in the future. Undoubtedly, one of his objectives is to get Carson Wentz some young, dynamic playmakers. While all the eyes in Indianapolis are turned toward the NFL Draft prospects, his may be turned to the New Orleans roster.

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