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The one move that defined the 2018 NFL season for all 32 teams

By Erik Lambert

ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
ALAMEDA, CA - JANUARY 09: Oakland Raiders new head coach Jon Gruden looks on during a news conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters on January 9, 2018 in Alameda, California. Jon Gruden has returned to the Oakland Raiders after leaving the team in 2001. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 04: Brandin Cooks #12 of the Los Angeles Rams gets past Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints to score a touchdown in the second quarter of the game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 4, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – NOVEMBER 04: Brandin Cooks #12 of the Los Angeles Rams gets past Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints to score a touchdown in the second quarter of the game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on November 4, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Rams: Trading for Brandin Cooks

The Rams were the #1 offense in scoring last year but it was felt there were still ways they needed to try and open things up for the passing game. Somebody who could threaten defenses deep and ease the stacked boxes Todd Gurley had to run against. That’s why GM Les Snead made the bold decision to trade the teams’ 1st round pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for wide receiver Brandin Cooks.

The 24-year old speedster had had two good seasons in New Orleans and then New England but hadn’t been able to lock down a long-term job. He wanted to find a more permanent home. It seems he’s done that. The Rams went from the #10 passing offense last year to #5 this year. Cooks is a huge reason for that as he’s already over 1,000 yards for the season and averaging over 15 yards per catch.

Gurley is just 102 yards away from topping his career high in rush, so that panned out as well. It was a highly productive move for the franchise and one people tend to overlook.

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