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In another absolute shocker of a move, the Los Angeles Rams have officially traded for New England Patriots WR Brandin Cooks, formally acquiring their new number one WR and replacement for the now-departed Sammy Watkins:
Patriots are trading WR Brandin Cooks and a fourth-round pick to LA Rams for the 23rd overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft and a sixth-round pick, league sources told ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 3, 2018
Cooks was a former first round pick (selection 20 in the 2014 NFL Draft) by the New Orleans Saints. Cooks has tallied 280 receptions for 3,943 yards and 27 touchdowns in his four year career.
This is an interesting move for multiple reasons. First, Cooks is on the last year of his contract (fifth year option), meaning the Rams will either need extend him long term or have another Watkins situation on deck.
Second is the compensation. The Rams first selection will now be in the third round, though they do recoup a fourth in the trade.
Just one year ago the New England Patriots traded a first and third round pick in 2017 to New Orleans for Cooks.
Stay tuned for details.