Obtaining a skilled wide receiver capable of amassing 1,000 yards remains a significant objective for the New England Patriots this season. One potential solution lies in acquiring Amari Cooper through a cost-effective trade, especially given his previous success under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt during their time together with the Cleveland Browns.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggests a trade scenario where the Patriots could draft a promising young wideout like Marvin Harrison Jr. while also securing Cooper to complement him on the field.
The attractiveness of this proposal lies in the presumed affordability of acquiring Cooper. Previous trades involving him, notably to the Browns in 2022, didn’t require premium draft picks, emphasizing Cleveland’s likely focus on salary cap relief rather than demanding high-value assets.
Van Pelt’s influence would likely play a pivotal role in persuading Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo to pursue Cooper, given their successful collaboration in Cleveland, where Cooper enjoyed two highly productive seasons.
Cooper’s recent performance showcased his ability to effectively challenge defenses deep down the field, evident in his career-high average of 17.4 yards per reception and notable contributions in explosive plays, an area where the Patriots lagged behind.
Van Pelt’s strategic emphasis on utilizing Cooper as a deep threat aligns with the Patriots’ need to revamp their passing game, especially considering their lackluster rankings in points and yards last season.
Expanding the vertical passing game would be crucial for the Patriots’ offensive evolution, particularly if they undergo a quarterback transition, making the prospect of acquiring a seasoned player like Cooper even more enticing.
Pairing Cooper’s proficiency in stretching the field with DeMario Douglas’ prowess in generating yards after the catch would provide Van Pelt and the Patriots’ future quarterback with a diverse set of options to exploit defensive coverages effectively.
In essence, bringing in Cooper alongside Douglas would inject much-needed dynamism into the Patriots’ aerial attack, offering multiple avenues for offensive success under Van Pelt’s guidance.