The New England Patriots reportedly are trading wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the Los Angeles Rams, immediately sparking debate as to whether Bill Belichick has something else up his sleeve.
… like, say, a trade for Odell Beckham Jr.?
OK, it seems very unlikely. But Beckham’s name has been tossed around in trade rumors — the Rams were among the teams linked to the New York Giants wide receiver — and the Patriots now have even more assets with which to deal this offseason after reportedly trading Cooks and a fourth-round draft pick for a first-rounder (23rd overall) and a sixth-rounder in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Obviously this doesn’t mean the Patriots will go after Beckham, a polarizing star who’s slated to become a free agent after next season. But FOX Sports 1’s Nick Wright couldn’t help but imagine a scenario Tuesday night in which the Patriots land OBJ while the Giants completely revamp their roster.
Whoa.
The Giants would have four first-round picks (Nos. 12, 22, 23 and 31) if they made those two moves, while the Patriots would add Beckham — one of the NFL’s most dynamic players — to an already explosive offense. The Bills, meanwhile, would land the No. 2 overall pick to draft the franchise quarterback they desperately need.
Sounds good, right?
Well, Jason La Canfora already threw cold water on the idea, and the more likely scenario is the Patriots will use their assets in some way, shape or form to draft Tom Brady’s successor.
