Report: Patriots tried to re-sign Cooks before trading him to Rams

The New England Patriots were reportedly interested in signing wide receiver Brandin Cooks to an extended contract before shipping him to the Los Angeles Rams on Tuesday.

The team was attempting to re-sign Cooks before talks broke off, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Cooks led Patriots receivers in targets, receptions, yards, and touchdowns in his one season with the team, but he has just one year remaining on his current contract at a cap hit of nearly $8.5 million, according to Over The Cap.

Sources told Schefter the Rams intend to sign Cooks to a long-term contract after acquiring him and a fourth-round pick in exchange for the 23rd overall selection and a sixth-round draft choice.