The New England Patriots pulled off a blockbuster trade on Tuesday afternoon, by sending leading pass rusher Chandler Jones to the Arizona Cardinals for offensive guard Jonathan Cooper and a second round pick.
#Patriots acquire G Jonathan Cooper and a 2016 second-round draft pick in trade with Arizona for DE Chandler Jones: https://t.co/m6KKhXv44y
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) March 15, 2016
The trade served as a cap clearing move and future salary cap anticipation for the Patriots, who are facing a contract crunch next offseason. In the trade, the Patriots help recoup the loss of their first round pick this year with the acquisition of the 60th overall selection.
Jones, 26, was a former first round pick of the Patriots in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Syracuse University and led the team with 12.5 sacks. The addition of Jones adds to an elite defense in Arizona and immediately improves the pass rush. Jones is entering the last year of his contract and has 36 sacks in his four-year NFL career.
Cooper, 26, was a former seventh overall selection in the 2013 NFL Draft out of the University of North Carolina. Cooper broke his leg in his rookie season with the Cardinals and has started just 11 games in his NFL career. Cooper will add to an offensive line that saw numerous injuries last year, and help solidify the shaky guard position.
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