Splash!
After being relatively quiet in free-agency the Arizona Cardinals landed their coveted pass rusher acquiring defensive end Chandler Jones from the New England Patriots for guard Jonathan Cooper and a second-round pick in the upcoming draft.
“This trade makes sense for both teams,” said ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter who first reported the trade Tuesday. “They [both] get help they needed.”
The deal to acquire Jones, who the Patriots in sacks last season with 12.5, is another step in the right direction for the defending NFC West Champions who know their Super Bowl window is now. The 6-feet-5, 247-pounder had 36 sacks in four seasons in New England and has one more year left on his current contract. He is due to make $7.7 million this season.
Arizona reportedly made runs at high-profile free agents Jason Pierre-Paul, Bruce Irvin, Tamba Hali and William Hayes among others. Adding the 26-year-old Jones appears to be a perfect fit for James Bettcher’s defense.
Since 2012, just three NFL players have 200+ tackles, 36+ sacks and 10+ forced fumbles: JJ Watt, Ryan Kerrigan and Jones.
In dealing Cooper the Cards part ways with their 2013 first-round draft pick (seventh overall). ‘Coop’ never lived up to the organization’s expectations after a stellar collegiate career at North Carolina. He missed his entire rookie year due to injury and started just 11 career games with the Bird Gang. Many consider the 6-feet-2, 312-pounder merely a throw in with New England ultimately coveting the second-round pick next month.
Eric Sorenson
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