The Los Angeles Rams are back at it again, swinging for the fences by swinging another major offseason trade.
On Tuesday, the NFC West champions acquired receiver Brandin Cooks from the New England Patriots for this year's first-round pick plus a sixth rounder. A person familiar with the deal confirmed it to USA TODAY Sports' Mike Jones but requested anonymity because neither team had yet announced it. The Rams will also get a fourth-round selection in return.
This latest blockbuster also effectively ends the Rams' interest in Giants star wideout Odell Beckham Jr.
Cooks, a first-round pick of the Saints in 2014, will be joining his third team in three seasons. He's averaged more than 75 catches and 1,100 yards over the past three seasons and will essentially replace Sammy Watkins as Los Angeles' home run hitter.
Cooks had 65 grabs for 1,082 yards and seven scores in his lone season with New England, one that ended when a head injury prematurely knocked him out of Super Bowl LII.
The Patriots now own two picks in Round 1 (Nos. 23 and 31) and could be eyeing a receiver to supplant Cooks and a left tackle to replace Nate Solder, who signed with the Giants during free agency.
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