Multiple teams believe that New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks' name could surface in trade talks this offseason, sources told ESPN.

Cooks has acknowledged frustration with his role in the Saints' offense, expressing himself after a zero-target day against the Los Angeles Rams last week. He believes he is used too often as a clear-out receiver instead of as a primary option, sources told ESPN's Mike Triplett.

Cooks would be one of the most valuable commodities the Saints have and could bring plenty in return.

"It's garbage, come on," coach Sean Payton said when asked of the reports after New Orleans' 28-13 loss to the Detroit Lions.

"No, you don't have to ask," Payton said when asked a follow-up. "It's a false report. It's an agent picking up the phone and calling up ... there's nothing to the report."

Cooks said he hadn't seen the reports. When asked if he'd ever demanded a trade, he said, "No. I did not do that. I did not do that."

When asked if he was disappointed that his frustration became such a big topic this week, Cooks said, "I wouldn't say I was frustrated. I would just say it's the game, and those things happen. And sometimes things come out. The good thing, I got teammates who know who I am and know that it wasn't coming from a selfish standpoint or anything like that.

"And like I stated earlier in the week, it's coming from a want to be great. And I think they understand that, and I think our coaches understand that. And I think we're on the same page with that."

The Saints have shown they are willing to go big, previously trading tight end Jimmy Graham to the Seattle Seahawks for center Max Unger and a first-round pick.

League sources told ESPN that some believe a trade was brewing earlier this season that would have moved Cooks to the New England Patriots for linebacker Jamie Collins, who was eventually sent to the Cleveland Browns for a reported third-round compensatory pick or a fourth-rounder.