And you thought this was a slow offseason for the Patriots, did you?
The Patriots have traded Chandler Jones to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a second-round pick and guard Jonathan Cooper, Patriots Insider Tom E. Curran has confirmed.
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Jones was going into the final year of his rookie contract with the Patriots and was scheduled to make $7.799 million. Factoring in Cooper's $675,000 base salary and his $1.71 roster bonus for 2016, the fourth year of his rookie deal, the move should save the Patriots more than $5 million in salary-cap space.
The Patriots will have the option to pick up a fifth year on Cooper's contract for $11 million if they so choose.
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Jones was named a Pro Bowler for the first time last season after racking up 12.5 sacks and forcing four fumbles in 15 games for the Patriots. During his four seasons in New England, he totaled 36 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and nine passes defensed in 55 games.
