By Skyler Carlin
Just when you thought the Rams were done making flashy moves in the offseason they trade for Brandin Cooks
On Tuesday, April 3rd the Los Angeles Rams continued with their Madden-esque offseason by trading for the speedy Brandin Cooks from the New England Patriots. The Rams will trade their 1st round pick (23rd overall) and their 6th round pick for Brandin Cooks, and the Patriots 4th round pick. The Patriots were reportedly trying to get an extension done with Cooks but were unable to get a deal done according to Adam Schefter.
Patriots attempted to re-sign WR Brandin Cooks before talks broke off. Rams now will continue those talks with the intent to sign Cooks to a long-term deal, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 4, 2018
How does this deal affect Aaron Donald getting his long awaited extension? At first glance Rams fans are probably nervous that this trade makes an extension for Donald impossible to complete. In reality Rams can actually free up cap space by signing Cooks to a contract extension which they are very interested in doing. It only makes sense for the Rams to extend the 24 year old wide receiver who has had 3 straight seasons of 1,000 yards and 7 touchdowns. Cooks is an upgrade over Sammy Watkins who signed a 3 year $48 million dollar deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. Cooks can be had for cheaper most likely so that is also a plus. Steve Wyche, from NFL Network talks about the interest Rams have in locking up Cooks long term and also the possibility of a Donald extension.
The Rams didn’t give up a first-round pick to NE for Brandin Cooks for just one season. My report on a forthcoming long term deal and how it won’t be prohibitive in getting a mega-deal finalized for DT Aaron Donald pic.twitter.com/cb2TMFG0N0
— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) April 4, 2018
Now what does this deal mean for the Rams going forward? The new regime of Sean McVay is obviously trying to bring in players that fit his schemes and is making this roster his own while trying to undo the mess Jeff Fisher left. Cooks brings a vertical threat and a reliable target to the Rams offense. The Rams are real contenders in the NFL now and they have their sites on nothing but a Super Bowl. Just a couple years ago the thought of Rams and Super Bowl being in the same sentence was laughable. A nucleus of Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, and Brandin Cooks on the offense could prove to be very beneficial for the Los Angeles Rams future.
