Patriots Talk: Brandin Cooks Trade Was Unavoidable

Many Factors Played Into This

Thank you, Brandin Cooks. 🍪 pic.twitter.com/gycr7nMSnv

— Only In Boston (@OnlyInBOS) April 3, 2018

A few days ago, the NFL and Sports media went through the equivalent of nuclear holocaust. Bill Belichick continues to make moves by trading former Saints WR Brandin Cooks and a fourth round pick to the LA Rams for the 23rd overall pick and a sixth round draft pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Belichick acquired Brandin Cooks from the New Orleans Saints during the 2017 off-season for the 32nd overall pick in 2017.

Many are scratching their heads at this move as Cooks despite not being quite a true #1 WR was still productive last season. Going for 1,082 yards and 7 TDs is still really good numbers, but there were many issues that seemingly went ignored throughout the 2017 NFL season. Cooks was good but only because Julian Edleman tore his ACL during the preseason. If it wasn’t for that happening, Cooks numbers would unquestionably been lower.

In addition, the Patriots have used Cooks as more of a deep threat receiver and had players like Chris Hogan or Danny Amendola take over in the slot role. This isn’t to say that Cooks wasn’t gaining separation during games but its become very clear that while he is a very good WR, he was never a #1 option, he is a very solid #2 across the board though.

His absence will be painful as the Patriots WR core is now currently made up of Julian Edleman, Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell and Philip Dorsett (the remaining slots are likely to be filled by Matthew Slater and Cordarrelle Patterson). That is not a bad receiving core but there is always room to improve. But how did Cooks end of up on the trade block in the first place?

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Plenty of Bad History

The Patriots spoke to Johnny Manziel both before and after his pro day performance today.

They were also one of the 13 teams to watch his work out last week.

Would you like Manziel on the Pats? pic.twitter.com/PtnKXUdCTx

— Patriots Militia (@PatsMilitia) March 27, 2018

It’s quite incredible that Manziel is once again back in the news. What is even more shocking is that 13 NFL teams took came to his Pro Day last week in San Diego. (including the New England Patriots) Just a few days ago, he attended his old alumni at Texas A&M for their Pro Day. The truth is, Manziel is still an unknown. We have no idea just how much rust he has accumulated over the last three years out of football. However, many fail to realize he was set up to fail from the get go.

Manziel was a headcase, even back at school. As a freshman at A&M, Manziel already got into trouble with the law. He was arrested on June 29th, 2012 and was jailed on misdemeanors with police involving disorderly conduct, failure to produce identification, and possession of a falsified driver’s license. He was only 19 years old. This was before he even played a single snap of college football.

Being drafted to the Cleveland Browns (especially under owner John Dorsey) was arguably the worst situation possible for Manziel. Both as a player and person, Manziel was not under any real supervision to control his own actions and the results speak for themselves. He was out of the league after the 2015 NFL season due to off the field controversies (and plenty of issues with the Browns’ coaching and medical staff) and was unable to sign as a free agent in 2016. Soon after, he returned back to Texas A&M to complete his degree.

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According to multiple reports, the New England Patriots not only attended Johnny Manziel‘s Texas A&M pro-day workout but they also had a meeting with the free agent QB before and after the session.

Also remember, Manziel’s first pre-draft visit was with the Patriots. They’ve got a history with him. Watched him work out last week too.

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) March 27, 2018

So in other words, prepare to see this in New England.

#ManzielToNE pic.twitter.com/2kyIu3k66v

— Tanner Rebelo (@TannerRebelo) March 27, 2018

For those who dislike the idea, think Tim Tebow a few years back. Great preseason story to make things fun before the real football kicks in. And if he ends up working out great.

But even with them attending multiple workouts and talking with the free agent that doesn’t mean they are actually interested in signing him to a contract.