Never one to stick to a conventional recipe, Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots now have one fewer Cooks in the kitchen.
In a surprise move on Tuesday evening, the Patriots dealt explosive wide receiver Brandin Cooks and a fourth-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams for the 23rd overall pick and a sixth-round selection.
Considering the Patriots already lost Tom Brady favorite Danny Amendola in free agency and Cooks was fairly productive last season (65 catches, 1,082 yards, seven touchdowns) it’s a somewhat questionable move, but one that does possibly provide some answers with regard to Rob Gronkowski and Odell Beckham Jr.
For Gronkowski: After the dust settles on the Cooks’ deal, reports surfaced that, despite all the rumors, the Patriots have had no trade talks involving Gronkowski this offseason. Also, with two of Brady’s top targets from last season now on different teams, New England has even more incentive to keep their pass-catching tight end on the roster (and keep him happy.) If Gronkowski does in fact stay with the team, expect a contract extension or for incentives to be added to his current deal.
The #Rams were interested in Odell Beckham, but the combination of likely trade compensation and future extension made the price exorbitant. There were never serious negotiations. Meanwhile, the #Patriots have had no talks about trading Rob Gronkowski & expect to keep him.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 4, 2018
New England trading Brandin Cooks to LA means that the Patriots will not be trading Rob Gronkowski this off-season, as some have speculated. Pats will rely on Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Rob Gronkowski, amongst others.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 3, 2018
For Beckham: With Cooks now on their roster, the Rams are no longer in play as a trade partner for the Giants. Immediately after the trade, speculation arose the Patriots had dealt Cooks in order to have enough draft capital to make a second deal for Beckham. While that’s an intriguing option, it doesn’t seem like a likely one as paying top dollar for Beckham (he is said to want about $20 million annually) doesn’t really fit with Belichick’s modus operandi. There are more dominoes that could fall, including a possible trade to San Francisco, but right now it seems most likely Beckham will stay in New York.
I’m told the Pats trading of Cooks is not a precursor to an attempt to land Beckham. New England won’t be in that market
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 3, 2018
Not really buying the Odell Beckham hype for Patriots. Cooks and Beckham have exactly the same contract (up after next season). Pats weren’t going to re-sign Cooks (which was a reason for trade) & Beckham will be getting more money. Doesn’t make sense.
— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) April 3, 2018
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