The Arizona Cardinals get some much needed pass rush help through the trade market.
With their lack of activity in free agency many thought the Arizona Cardinals were content with who they had on their roster, and were looking to upgrade their sub par pass rush through the upcoming draft. However, that was not the case and Cardinals made a huge splash in the NFL world, and ESPN reporters Adam Schefter and Dianna Russini were the first ones to let everyone know.
Cards-Pats blockbuster from @diannaESPN and me: Cards trade G Jonathan Cooper + 2nd-rd pick to NE for DE Chandler Jones, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 15, 2016
In exchange for the struggling former first round pick Jonathan Cooper and this year’s second round pick, Arizona received Pro Bowl defensive end Chandler Jones from the New England Patriots. At first glance one can see that the Arizona front office knows that it is now or never to win a title. In addition, this means the Cardinals will avoid having to overpay an aging pass rusher such as a Mario Williams or a Chris Long.
Chandler Jones had 12.5 sacks last season for #Patriots. Only 26 years old.
— Kyle Odegard (@Kyle_Odegard) March 15, 2016
Jones 12.5 sacks last season were the fifth most in the NFL. A former first round pick out of Syracuse in 2012, Jones made his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2015 and should be expected to make many more in the near future. Defensive coordinator, James Bettcher, favors blitzing which is perfect for a player like Jones who has two double digit sack seasons on his resume.
Next: Arizona Cardinals: Intriguing Free Agents
In addition to bolstering their pass rush, this trade also allows the Cardinals to move on from Jonathan Cooper and the uncertainty surrounding him. After a broken leg caused him to miss his rookie season, Cooper returned in 2014 playing in 10 games and starting 2 of them. In 2015, Cooper was benched mid season. for Ted Larsen. While the addition of a second round pick may come as a surprise, the price may be worth it in the end. With a productive pass rusher in tow, the Cardinals can now look at other directions in the draft, such as quarterback, offensive line or more secondary help.
#Birdgang what up??
— ♛Chandler Jones (@chanjones55) March 15, 2016
On paper this looks like a great move for the Cardinals. We will all just have to wait until September to see if the trade pays off on the field.