The Los Angeles Rams have continued their busy offseason by adding a proven offensive factor to the mix by acquiring veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks from the New England Patriots. It is the first trade that the front office has put forth to address the offensive side of the ball.
The Rams have brought on a player that they have been eyeballing since the last offseason. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the Rams had attempted to make a deal for him while he was still with the New Orleans Saints.
The Rams were actively looking at ways to replace Sammy Watkins, and Brandin Cooks, on paper, represents an upgrade. Sean McVay's been eyeing Cooks for while — Source says Rams and Saints talked trade last year.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 3, 2018
In these talks, the Rams had tried to include cornerback Trumaine Johnson in the offer but the Saints instead decided to move him to the Patriots instead in exchange for a 2017 first-round and third-round draft picks. His tenure in New England was a productive lone season that saw him make his first career Super Bowl appearance.
Cooks played in all 16 games in the regular season, recording 65 catches for 1,082 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns. He had joined Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro wideout Antonio Brown as the only players in the last three straight seasons to notch at least 1,000 receiving yards and seven touchdown catches. He is also one of four players to accomplish that feat prior to turning 25 years old joining Hall of Famer Randy Moss (1998-2001), Odell Beckham Jr. (2014-16), and John Jefferson (1978-80).
The 24-year-old has the chance to step into a prominent role with the Rams as possibly their top receiving option next season. He has already begun to build a strong rapport with Pro Bowl quarterback Jard Goff this offseason given that the two are represented by the same agency.
Cooks could provide a similar factor to what Sammy Watkins brought as being a legitimate deep-ball threat behind his speed. He has shown to have great big-play ability as he was eighth in the NFL last season with 18 catches for at least 20 yards and tied for second with seven receptions for 40 or more yards. Simply put, there is plenty of potential for this benefit both sides next season and well beyond that.
