This Rams-Packers Trade for Brandin Cooks Could Actually Work

The Los Angeles Rams appear to be moving toward a soft rebuild after the release of Todd Gurley, and wide receiver Brandin Cooks could be the next big name that the Rams decide to part ways with.

If he is available in trade talks, Green Bay Packers general Brian Gutekunst should pull out all the stops in order to bring him to play alongside Aaron Rodgers.

Cooks has been traded from the New Orleans Saints to the New England Patriots for a first-round pick in the past, and his move to the Rams cost LA the same. Given how he went from averaging 75.3 yards per game in his first season as a Ram to 41.3 last year (in addition to the monstrous contract he carries), he could come without giving up premium picks.

While reports claim that a fourth-round pick will be enough for Cooks, a third-round pick seems a bit more likely given his pedigree. Throw in a late-round pick either this year or next year, and Green Bay could get their hands on one of the fastest wideouts in the game.

The problem is Cooks' $16.8 million cap hit for the 2020 season. The Packers currently have $14.5 million in space, so perhaps they could move a player instead to make the financials work and avoid having to trade a draft pick. Corey Linsley, who was thought to originally be a cap casualty for the 2020 season, is still on the books, so maybe Gutekunst can deal him and his $10.5 million cap hit to LA to help with their O-line issues and avoid having to inevitable release him in 2021.

If the Packers are able to secure Cooks from the Rams, regardless of the avenue they may take, and pair him with Davante Adams, Aaron Rodgers and that offense could be in for a record-setting season.