The New England Patriots acquired offensive guard Jonathan Cooper in a trade with the Arizona Cardinals this off-season. But it was reported by ESPN’s Field Yates on Saturday that the Patriots had informed Cooper of their intent to release him.
New England Patriots Release Jonathan Cooper
New England acquired Cooper, along with a second-round pick, in March this year when they agreed to a trade with the Cardinals. The Patriots gave up Chandler Jones in the deal. The Patriots then traded that second-round pick to the New Orleans Saints for the Saints third-and fourth-round picks. Bill Belichick’s team then used those selections to draft starting guard Joe Thuney and wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell.
Injuries Have Been an Issue For Cooper
Cooper, the seventh overall pick by the Cardinals in the 2013 draft, was once thought to have high potential in the NFL. But injuries have plagued his career thus far. During the third preseason game of his rookie season Cooper suffered a broken leg. That injury caused him to miss the entire 2013 season. He then continued to battle injuries the next two seasons, playing in 24 of 32 possible games, and making only 11 starts.
Cooper was sidelined with a foot injury after working with the first team unit and right guard throughout spring practices and into the third day of the Patriots training camp. The former first-round pick was only removed from the team’s injury report this week.
Cooper’s Release Opens Up a Roster Spot
When the Patriots made the trade with the Cardinals their hope was that Cooper would start at right guard and help solidify the team’s offensive line. But with Cooper’s injury, Shaq Mason, a second-year player has performed well in the role, with rookie Ted Karras also doing his part to contribute. With Mason and Karras, along with Chris Barker and Chase Farris (both are on the practice squad and provide depth) the Patriots felt they no longer needed Cooper. The release of Cooper opened up a spot on the Patriots 53-man roster that the team used to add some depth at defensive tackle by promoting defensive lineman Woodrow Hamilton.
Cooper Can Now Sign With Any Team
If Cooper clears waivers he can return to the Patriots active roster, but it seems, for now, the New England feels they can move along with him. Cooper was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in the spring of 2017, but with his release he is now free to sign with any team in the league. Cooper will just have to prove to at least one team that he is capable of adding value to their team and offensive line.
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