Brandin Cooks was the New England Patriots' top receiver in 2017, leading the wideouts in targets, receptions, yards, and touchdowns, but it doesn't appear he will be missed.
The Patriots didn't view Cooks as a "true No. 1," according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, who adds quarterback Tom Brady "isn't sad" with the team's decision to trade his top weapon.
Related: Patriots trade Brandin Cooks to Rams
Cooks has just one year remaining on his contract at a cap hit of nearly $8.5 million. He'll be due a considerable raise for 2019 and beyond, something Bill Belichick wasn't likely to accommodate.
