Patriots trade Cooks to Rams for first-round pick
BOSTON — Tom Brady will be without one of his top receivers from last season after the Patriots traded deep threat Brandin Cooks to the Rams on Tuesday for Los Angeles' first-round draft pick, 23rd overall.
In the deal, New England also sends a fourthround choice to the Rams, who give the Patriots a sixth-rounder.
Cooks, 24, was New Orleans' first-round selection in 2014 and played three seasons for the Saints. He was acquired 13 months ago by New England for a first-rounder and other picks, and made 65 receptions for 1,082 yards and seven touchdowns in his lone season with the Patriots.
His receiving yards were second only to tight end Rob Gronkowski, who finished the season with 69 receptions for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns.
Cooks is entering the fifth year of his rookie contract and could become a free agent after the 2018 season.
Cooks' skillset was something the Rams were seeking this offseason following Sammy Watkins departure to Kansas City. Cooks joins another speed-based offense that can put his ability to create in space to use.
The trade is somewhat of a surprise move for New England considering the chemistry he quickly developed with Brady.
But it also could be a strategic move on the part of the Patriots.
With three 1,000-yard seasons, Cooks would likely be a coveted player next offseason. The Patriots may not have been willing to pay a high price to keep him and may be looking to get maximum value now. In other NFL news:
• New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has filed a lawsuit accusing a California businessman of cheating him out of $9 million through jewelry purchases.
Area media report that Brees and his wife filed suit Monday in California against Vahid Moradi, who operates CJ Charles Jewelers in San Diego.
Brees claims multiple pieces of jewelry he purchased as investments over time appraised for $9 million less than he paid for the pieces. The items include a blue-diamond ring that cost about $8.2 million.
The suit claims Brees confronted Moradi and the dealer admitted to charging a substantial markup. The suit says the two were close friends.
An attorney for Moradi says Brees attempted to “bully” the man after items didn't increase in value the way the player had hoped they would.