Brandin Cooks Contract Details Are Insane and the Rams Should Regret Prematurely Signing Him

The Los Angeles Rams looked to be the league's next great dynasty just a year ago, but now they're in the middle of a serious roster shakeup.

Not only did Todd Gurley and Dante Fowler both leave for Atlanta, but speedy wide receiver Brandin Cooks' name has come up in trade talks of late. One reason that could prevent LA from finding a trade partner is Cooks' absurd contract, which could pay him $39 million over the 2021-2023 seasons if the team does not cut him after the 2020 campaign.

YIKES. While it looked like Cooks certainly earned his deal at the time he signed it, he has failed to give the Rams an adequate return on their investment due to injuries and poor performance in 2019.

With a few huge contracts, Cooks among them, making them a financially inflexible team, the Rams could decide to part ways with their promising receiver, starting their soft rebuild.

Even though his value has taken a massive nosedive following a season in which he struggled to make much of an impact, Cooks can still add some speed, creativity, and experience to another wide receiving corps. Having said that, whoever trades for him will be hoping he returns to form because his annual salaries suggest that kind of production is warranted.