There have been plenty of intriguing storylines heading into Super Bowl 52 between the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots. Another can now be added to the list after a recent discovery regarding Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks.

New England somehow became even more formidable after their championship run with the addition of Cooks prior to the 2017 NFL season. However, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, it was Philadelphia that had been on the verge of acquiring the speedy wideout first:

“This past offseason there was a potential trade that included several key participants for the Patriots and Eagles in Super Bowl 52, according to sources informed of the situation.

“The deal, scuttled at the last minute, was this: New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks in exchange for Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins, a third-round pick and two fourth-rounders.”

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The Eagles certainly put together quite the package for Brooks. On paper, the duo of wide receiver Alshon Jeffery and Cooks could have been one of the most exciting in the league. However, it seems the team was not willing to part ways with veteran safety Malcolm Jenkins so easily.

As a result, the Patriots were able to swing in and take the young burner in exchange for a first and third-round pick. He wound up finishing the season with 1,082 yards and seven touchdowns. Meanwhile, Jenkins enjoyed another solid year as well with 76 tackles and two interceptions while serving as the team's unquestioned leader in the secondary.

Given the current state of both teams, it is safe to say that the deal—or lack thereof—ultimately worked out for everyone involved.