Sammy Watkins Traded To Los Angeles Rams For CB E.J. Gaines

The Los Angeles Rams have traded CB E.J. Gaines and their 2018 NFL Draft second-round pick to the Buffalo Bills for WR Sammy Watkins and a 2018 NFL Draft sixth-round pick:

Watkins fills an immediate need as a top of the depth chart wideout for the Rams. Partnering him with his former teammate WR Robert Woods, whom the Rams signed earlier in free agency, could pay immediate dividends based on their chemistry. The question is how well second-year QB Jared Goff will supply the two.

Gaines was a breakout rookie in 2014 when he filled in for CB Trumaine Johnson who went down with an MCL injury in the preseason; with big expectations in Year 2, Gaines suffered a foot injury and missed the entire 2015 season.

The trade certainly carries injury risk for both. And while the Rams got the superior player for impact, the Bills certainly will be looking to make the most out of their additional second-round pick next year.

More to come. Stay tuned.

(UPDATED at 1:10pm ET)

The Rams have released an official statement that includes the following comment from General Manager Les Snead:

Sammy has proven he can be a productive player and an explosive receiver in this league, we look forward to having him in a Rams uniform. We want to thank E.J. for all he has contributed to our organization since we drafted him in 2014. E.J. has been a dedicated professional during his time with us and we wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors.