NFL Trade Verdict

Arizona/St. Louis Cardinals Win

Patriots sent Chandler Jones to Arizona for Jonathan Cooper and a 2nd (61). Lean in hindsight; Jones recorded 71.5 sacks and three All-Pro seasons for Cardinals, while Cooper was cut after 4 games. Patriots eventually turned pick 61 into Joe Thuney via trade-down, softening the blow, but direct return favored Arizona.

March 15, 2016 Arizona CardinalsNew England Patriots Confidence: high Tier: major

New England Patriots Received

  • pick Jonathan Cooper and 2016 2nd round pick (61st overall subsequently traded, Vonn Bell )

Trade Analysis

Arizona sent Jonathan Cooper and a second (61) to New England for Chandler Jones. Cardinals Win. Jones recorded 71.5 sacks in six seasons and became Arizona's all-time sack leader. Cooper washed out quickly, and the pick became Vonn Bell—a solid safety but nowhere near Jones' value. New England Patriots received Jonathan Cooper and 2016 2nd round pick (61st overall subsequently traded, Vonn Bell) and gave up Chandler Jones. Arizona extracted the stronger side of the exchange.