Earlier on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Rams announced that they have locked up wide receiver Brandin Cooks on a five-year contract extension.
This comes mere months after Cooks was acquired from the New England Patriots for a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. It’s a move the Rams needed to make.
The terms of the contract, reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter to be $80 million over five seasons, seems a bit ridiculous. It makes Cooks the fourth-highest paid receiver in the NFL in terms of annual salary that ranks him third in total cash.
For a player that both Sean Payton and Bill Belichick traded, this seems to be a hefty price. Given that the Rams have yet to extend reigning Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, many were thrown for a loop.
Here are the best reactions from the Twitterverse to this shocking extension.
Getting Brandin Cooks done was important for the Rams, in avoiding what happened with Sammy Watkins last year. And he's one of a number of young stars the team will have to take care of over the next two years.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) July 17, 2018
I find the Rams now obvious commitment to Brandin Cooks (congrats to him) so interesting considering Sean Payton and Bill Belichick both moved on from him with QBs Drew Brees and Tom Brady
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) July 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/NEPD_Loyko/status/1019310603008135168
The Brandin Cooks deal is another reason for Julio Jones to be unhappy.
— Joel Corry (@corryjoel) July 17, 2018
Live shot of Aaron Donald pic.twitter.com/hlyBGczCMY
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) July 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/TrevorDaCreator/status/1019312996936507393
https://twitter.com/iamurannoyinbee/status/1019312942293110785
Brandin Cooks with that $80 Million dollar contract! #Rams #NFL pic.twitter.com/ZmKFXTLgN4
— Michael Hauff (@TheFFRealist) July 17, 2018
McVay unleashing @brandincooks this season #Rams pic.twitter.com/iPYcLGR4Kd
— Jon (@RamsFanJon) July 17, 2018
Brandin Cooks' new deal will pay him $16 mil per year. The Patriots' top SEVEN receivers make a combined $18.96.
That number drops below $16 million if Kenny Britt and Phillip Dorsett are cut https://t.co/U0PNUPVC6h pic.twitter.com/PzK0B38lYG
— Nick O'Malley (@nickjomalley) July 17, 2018