New Orleans Saints

Brandin Cooks shares his thoughts on trade to Patriots, says goodbye to Saints fans

Published Mar. 14, 2017 6:59 p.m. ET

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Nunzio Ingrassia

Brandin Cooks appears to be settling in just fine with the New England Patriots, four days after the Pats acquired the 23-year-old receiver from the New Orleans Saints.

Cooks said playing for the defending Super Bowl champs is “a dream come true” and is excited to get to work with his new teammates.

“Obviously, to play for an organization like this, it’s a dream come true and it’s a blessing,” Cooks told “Patriots Today.”

“So I couldn’t be more thankful. … I’m just thankful for the opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started.”

So how does Cooks, who is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and has 20 touchdowns in three years, know so much about the organization? He said he learned a lot about "the Patriot Way” from his time practicing against New England the past two summers.

“It’s a first-class place — a place you’d love to be a part of,” Cooks said. “When we practiced against them, it was always competitive. These are they type of teams you want to go against to better yourself. So to be on a team like this now, it’s amazing.”

Cooks reportedly grew frustrated with his role in the Saints' offense last season and left a cryptic message on Instagram a day after contributing zero yards in the Saints' blowout win over the Rams in November.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNW8Bl1BBl6/

But despite the reported frustration, Cooks made sure to say goodbye to the Saints organization and its fans in an Instagram post Tuesday.

"To the Fans of New Orleans and the organization,” Cooks wrote, “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the opportunity to play there. Coaches thank you for always pushing me to be the best I can be. Fans you guys have been nothing but great to me and I couldn't be more thankful! To the guys in the locker room your support never went unnoticed. My love for you all is deep. Blessings.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRn-v8uA9Hh/

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