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Rams continue to spend big, lock up receiver Brandin Cooks on a five-year deal

It’s a good thing Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke is one of the richest people in America, because he’s spending a lot of cash on his football team this year.

The Rams, who have been the most aggressive team in the NFL this offseason, signed one of their new acquisitions to a long extension. Receiver Brandin Cooks, acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots, will get five more years and $80 million according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. That makes $88 million over six years for Cooks, counting this season.

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Of course, the Rams have other bills coming due soon.

Who is next in line to get paid by the Rams?

Defensive tackle Aaron Donald has been asking for an extension that pays him among the best players in football, which he has earned. He was defensive player of the year last season. Last season’s offensive player of the year, running back Todd Gurley, will be in line for a big contract soon too. And quarterback Jared Goff will be eligible for an extension after this season. Goff will presumably get the largest extension of all the Rams’ players, because he’s a quarterback.

The Rams had a great breakthrough season and invested in some stars like cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters, and defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Cooks was part of that haul, and now he is being paid like one of the top receivers in the NFL.

Where does Cooks’ contract rank among NFL receivers?

Cooks’ extension is a big one. His average of $16 million per year once the extension starts is tied for fourth among receivers.

Cooks, a former first-round pick, has been a productive receiver with the New Orleans Saints and Patriots. He’s not guaranteed a ton of volume in the Rams’ offense. Robert Woods is coming off a very good season, 2017 rookie Cooper Kupp is a very good slot receiver, and Gurley will get plenty of touches too. The Rams will find ways to get Cooks the ball as well. It will be a tough offense to defend.

Cooks is the latest Rams player to get paid, while other young stars wait their turn. Kroenke should still be able to afford it.

Los Angeles Rams' Brandin Cooks signed a five-year extension with the team. (AP)
Los Angeles Rams’ Brandin Cooks signed a five-year extension with the team. (AP)

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Frank Schwab is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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