Brees/Cooks 65-yd TD: Saints at Cardinals 2016

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) connects with New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks (10) on a 65-yard touchdown during the game between the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona on Sunday, December 18, 2016.

(Michael DeMocker, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune)

Drew Brees is used to losing weapons from his New Orleans Saints offense by now.

Brees said having Brandin Cooks traded away to the New England Patriots was still "tough," in a Friday morning interview on "Pro Football Talk Live" on NBC Sports Radio.

"You know, that was tough because I love Brandin," Brees said. "Not only is he a great teammate, but he's a great friend. And obviously we were able to accomplish some great things together the last couple of years.

"I just think it was one of those unfortunate things that maybe kind of took on a life of its own, too, as the season progressed and into the offseason."

Brees was referring to Cooks' comments about being unhappy with his role within the offense and rumors about wanting to be traded that followed.

"There was so much speculation about his intentions and that kind of thing in regards to him wanting to be here or not wanting to be here," Brees said. "I think a lot of that was kind of fostered by the media and that sort of thing.

"But at the end of the day, I hope that he got what he wanted or got to a good situation, which I think he did. And obviously we got some draft picks out of it. So at the end of the day, I want what's best for him and what's best for us. Hopefully that accomplished that."

Brees also said the Saints offense is always evolving. The team has maintained one of the best offenses in the NFL despite losing players like Cooks, Jimmy Graham, Kenny Stills, Darren Sproles and Chris Ivory in trade situations. The Saints quarterback said the passes that went to Cooks are going to have to go elsewhere.