May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Brandin Cooks (Oregon State) poses for photos after being selected as the number twenty overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the New Orleans Saints at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Brandin Cooks joins Khalil Mack and Kyle Fuller as the only first round picks to sign with their new clubs so far this offseason. Cooks and his new team, the New Orleans Saints, have reached an agreement on a 4-year deal, according to ProFootballTalk.com. Cooks was selected 20th overall in the Draft earlier this month.
The Saints had a strong interest in Cooks going into the draft as they traded the 27th and 91st overall picks to the Arizona Cardinals for the 20th pick so they could select him. Now, its official that he will be a Saint for at least the next 4 years. Just like all the other first round contracts, the Saints will have the opportunity to tack on a fifth year to the deal if Cooks preforms well.
Cooks adds depth t0 a thin Saints receiving core, and he has the opportunity to make an immediate impact. He will join veteran Marques Colston and the up and coming Kenny Stills as the top receivers on the roster. Last year at Oregon State, Cooks racked up 1,670 yards on 120 receptions and had 15 touchdowns, so his playmaking skills are evident. It will be fun to watch Cooks play this year when he has Drew Brees passing to him.