NFL Notes: Brandin Cooks, Jaguars, Patriots, Redskins

Brandin Cooks

Multiple sources informed of the situation tell Ian Rapoport that the Saints ultimately traded WR Brandin Cooks to the Patriots because of a combination of his unhappiness with his role, his doubts that QB Drew Brees could get him the ball deep, New Orleans being frustrated Cooks focusing on his numbers and their disbelief he should be paid like a top receiver.

Cooks made his frustration known during last season, which is why the Saints didn’t waste any time fielding trade offers for him during free agency.

Jaguars

• Mike Kaye, citing a league source, reports that the Jaguars worked out free agent kickers last week including Josh Lambo, Andrew Franks, and Mike Meyer.

Patriots

• Mike Reiss of ESPN reports that Patriots LB Dont’a Hightower sought a second opinion for his right knee injury over the last week from Dr. James Andrews.
• Hightower later told Reiss: “I’m OK.”
• Reiss points out that Hightower can earn up to $875,000 in roster bonuses, which are paid in $54,687 per-game installments if he’s on the 46-man game-day roster.

Redskins

• According to Jason La Canfora, the Redskins quietly met with four former NFL executives during training camp but decided to not hire anyone, given that they’re comfortable with their current front office structure.
• La Canfora says that potential candidates for a front office position included James “Shack” Harris, Charles Bailey, Bill Kuharich and Ron Hill.
• The Redskins ultimately promoted Doug Williams and Eric Schaffer to new roles and La Canfora says that Williams and his team earned high marks internally for their work in free agency and the draft.
• As of now, no other changes are forthcoming this season.