Cooks not drawn into drama of return to New Orleans

FOXBORO — Former Saints receiver Brandin Cooks won't be drawn into the drama of playing in New Orleans for the first time in a visiting uniform.

After three seasons with the Saints, during which he caught 215 passes for 2,861 yards and 20 touchdowns, Cooks was traded to the Patriots for New England's 2017 first-round draft choice.

He caught three passes for 88 yards in the Patriots season-opening loss to Kansas City.

"Taking the field on an opponent's territory," said Cooks. "That's the way that I look at it. I don't look at it any other way."

Drew Brees, who played with Cooks in New Orleans, said he expects a warm reception for his former teammate.

"If Drew says there's going to be a good reception, then it'll be one," said Cooks. "That's the king over there."

Cooks earned a reputation as one of the most explosive receivers in the NFL during his three years with the Saints and is expected to be one of Tom Brady's top weapons as the season progresses.

"There's no bad memories at all," said Cooks when asked about his time in New Orleans. "I loved every bit of playing there. They gave me an opportunity, first team coming into the NFL. You gotta respect that - respect the owners, Mickey (Loomis), Sean (Payton), for believing in me and there's a lot of great memories made."

Cox Media Group