10 wild NFL trades that could down down during free agency frenzy

8. Brandin Cooks to the Denver Broncos

The arrival of Sean Payton in Denver certainly has created a buzz in the NFL world. It could also come with some big-time additions on the offensive side of the ball by Broncos GM George Paton. Sean Payton was the coach in New Orleans for 16 years so he has connections to a ton of different players around the league, including one particular wide receiver who could be exactly what the Denver Broncos need this offseason.

That player is former New Orleans Saints first-round pick Brandin Cooks. The Saints took Cooks in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Oregon State, and he was very successful there for them for a few years before getting traded to the New England Patriots. Cooks has been traded more than any other player in league history and that could continue into 2023.

The Broncos need a receiver with long speed who can provide the team with a vertical threat to stretch the defense. They hoped KJ Hamler could be that guy, but he hasn’t been able to stay on the field.

A reunion between Cooks and Sean Payton makes a ton of sense and Cooks has not been shy about liking Sean Payton and Broncos-related content on Twitter and Instagram. Does he already know something we don’t?

If the Broncos decide to keep the majority of their receiver room in tact, they would have players like Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, Jerry Jeudy, and Brandin Cooks at their disposal. Perhaps even KJ Hamler if he is able to stay healthy.

Even if the Broncos were to trade away one of those guys (save for Jeudy) and found a way to bring Brandin Cooks into the fold, it might be one of the most impactful NFL trades of the 2023 offseason.