New Orleans Saints

Sean Payton explains why the Saints are shopping WR Brandin Cooks

Published Mar. 6, 2017 4:08 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The New Orleans Saints have been at the center of trade talks this offseason, stemming from news that they’re shopping star receiver Brandin Cooks. The Patriots, Titans and Eagles have all been linked to the wideout, but it’ll take a lot to pull Cooks from New Orleans – reportedly a mid-first-round pick.

Some have wondered why the Saints would even shop their speedy receiver, but Sean Payton did his best to clarify New Orleans’ motivation behind the decision.

Via ESPN:

“I think one of the things that every team does when the season's over with and they get to the Combine, they’re looking for ways to – for us specifically, improve our defense. You have X amount of assets – it might be draft picks or money to spend in free agency. Brandin is someone that we think the world of. I love him. Not only is he a great player, he’s a special guy.”

“Yet, in Mickey's position, if you do get a phone call from a team, you’re always going to listen. I think three days ago that speculation started. As we’re trying to improve on defense, you look at every avenue that might give you that chance. Whether it’s picks or defensive players. Mickey does a good job of handling that and communicating that in the evenings.”