NFL Trade Rumors: Eagles tried to trade for Brandin Cooks last year

As if we needed more fuel to the Brandin Cooks trade rumors fire, Jeff McLane reports that the Eagles attempted to trade for Cooks last season:

If the Eagles were to trade for Brandin Cooks, they would be acquiring a wide receiver they first coveted three years ago at the draft and privately since the Saints leapfrogged them for the then-Oregon State prospect.

In fact, the Eagles tried to deal for Cooks before last season's trade deadline, NFL sources said.

The Eagles reportedly had interest in the 49ers Torrey Smith at the deadline, and there was speculation in a Alshon Jeffery trade. Now you can add another name to the list of targets the Eagles had in October.

At just 23, Cooks would be both a huge upgrade to the Eagles wide receivers, giving them a legitimate deep threat, and also give them a younger receiver to build around Wentz than can be found in free agency.

Cooks currently has one year left on his original four year deal and unsurprisingly would want a new contract, but the Eagles would be able to exercise his 5th year option and have him under control through 2018, though at a cost of approximately $10 million. Yesterday it was reported that the Eagles were the front runners for Cook, at the likely cost of a 2nd rounder, though the Saints are reportedly asking for a 1st round pick.