The Los Angeles Rams seem willing to trade two of their top offensive players with reports suggesting both Brandin Cooks and Todd Gurley could be dealt this offseason. They each have large contracts with big cap hits in 2020, and with Los Angeles lacking cap space, the team could part ways with them to recoup draft picks and potentially free up some money.
It seems Gurley and Cooks are aware of the trade rumors, as evidenced by their recent social media activity.
For starters, neither player is following the Rams on Twitter or Instagram (h/t @RamsTodayIG, which is surprising. It’s not certain that they were before the rumors started, but considering they’ve each been with the team for multiple years and have either tagged or retweeted the Rams on social media before, it’s reasonable to think they were once following the team.
As if that’s not enough, Gurley’s comment on Aaron Donald’s farewell post to Michael Brockers was interesting, writing “It’s been real my brothers #OriginalSquad”. It could just be Gurley pointing out that all three players go back to the St. Louis days, but the wording is noteworthy.
After DeAndre Hopkins was traded Monday, Gurley posted a photo of him with Hopkins at a recent Lakers game with the caption, “Better Days!!” and a praying hands emoji. Again, maybe Gurley is just wishing Hopkins well, or perhaps he’s indicating better days are ahead for him, too.
As for Cooks, his recent activity is even more startling. On Twitter, he liked a fan’s tweet suggesting he reunite with Tom Brady, who’s a free agent and leaving the Patriots.
What’s more, Cooks liked a tweet pointing out this development, too.
On his Instagram story Monday, after his name was brought up in trade rumors, Cooks posted this. On its own, it probably means nothing, but paired with the rest of his social media activity, maybe Cooks is saying he’s ready if the Rams do decide to trade him.
No trade seems to be imminent with Gurley or Cooks, but the Rams are at least exploring the possibility of unloading those large contracts. Their asking price on Cooks is unknown, but according to Mike Silver of NFL Network, they’re seeking a pick in the range of the second to fourth rounds.
Between the trade rumors, the team’s new uniforms and SoFi Stadium opening, it’s going to be an eventful and exciting offseason in Los Angeles.