New England Patriots Eye Bargain Trade for Cleveland Browns’ WR
The New England Patriots are determined to add a top-tier wide receiver to their roster this season. In a stroke of genius, they could potentially acquire Amari Cooper from the Cleveland Browns through a bargain trade. The idea has gained traction with the Patriots’ new offensive coordinator, Alex Van Pelt, who has a soft spot for Cooper.
According to Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox, the Patriots could use their third pick to draft a promising wide receiver like Marvin Harrison Jr. from Ohio State. They could then pair him with Cooper, who would bring his veteran presence to the team.
What makes this trade scenario enticing is the affordability. Cooper was acquired by the Browns in 2022 for a mere fifth-round pick and a swap of sixth-round selections. If the Browns are open to dealing him now, they would be more interested in the financial relief rather than demanding valuable draft compensation.
Van Pelt’s influence cannot be understated in convincing Patriots’ head coach Jerod Mayo to pursue Cooper. During Van Pelt’s tenure as the Browns’ play-caller, Cooper thrived, showcasing his skills with impressive stats. In just two years, Cooper was targeted 260 times, earning him a well-deserved fifth Pro Bowl selection. He recorded 72 catches for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns in the 2023 season alone.
One of Cooper’s standout qualities was his ability to attack defenses vertically. He averaged a career-high 17.4 yards per reception, a stark contrast to the Patriots’ average of 9.7 yards per catch as a team. Cooper also excelled in making catches of 40 or more yards, with eight such receptions, second only to Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins. In comparison, the Patriots managed only four catches of that magnitude.
A memorable highlight of Cooper’s season was his 75-yard touchdown catch against the Houston Texans in Week 16. Additionally, he gained an impressive 150 yards on vertical routes off play action, the highest in a game over the last five seasons, according to Next Gen Stats.
With the potential trade on the horizon, the Patriots are eager to bring Cooper’s skills and playmaking ability to their team. The combination of Cooper and their promising draft pick could be a game-changer for the Patriots’ offense.
[End of text]
VAN PELT’S PLAN TO REVAMP PATRIOTS OFFENSE: TARGETING COOPER DEEP
In a bold move to rejuvenate the struggling Patriots passing game, offensive coordinator Van Pelt has made targeting wide receiver Cooper deep a core part of his playbook. With Cooper’s impressive average of 13.6 yards before catch per reception, Van Pelt aims to stretch the field vertically and add a new dimension to the team’s offensive strategy.
The Patriots offense faced significant challenges last season, ranking 31st in points and 30th in yards. Van Pelt faces the daunting task of expanding an offense that desperately needs improvement. One potential solution is to attack the deep third of the field more frequently through the air. This would require a more aggressive approach, especially if the Patriots decide to replace quarterback Mac Jones with a rookie. Alternatively, trading Jones for a nine-time Pro Bowler could be a game-changing move.
Regardless of who takes the helm as the Patriots’ quarterback in 2024, Van Pelt recognizes the need for bolder aerial concepts. By pairing Cooper, a proficient deep threat, with slot specialist DeMario Douglas, Van Pelt aims to create a more versatile and dynamic offense. Douglas has proven to be ultra-productive on shorter routes, but his ability to gain yards after the catch is equally impressive. According to PFF NE Patriots, Douglas averaged 5.9 yards after the catch per reception, ranking 9th among all wide receivers. Additionally, he turned 26 of his 49 receptions into first downs during his rookie campaign.
The combination of Cooper and Douglas would provide Van Pelt and the next Patriots QB1 with multiple options to dissect opposing coverage. With their unique skill sets, they could open up new possibilities and add variety to the Patriots’ offensive schemes.
James Dudko, a sports reporter covering the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, and Baltimore Ravens, brings you the latest on this exciting development. Stay connected for more updates on the Patriots’ offensive strategy.
According to the Source heavy.com