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Jonathan Cooper's career in New England didn't involve a single snap and it's reportedly already over. According to ESPN's Field Yates, the Patriots cut Cooper on Saturday.

When the Patriots jettisoned pass-rusher Chandler Jones to the Cardinals this offseason, they not only acquired a second-round pick in return, they also picked up a first-round talent in Cooper. For the Patriots, a team that values versatility on the offensive line and seemingly always finds a way to get the most out of its players, landing Cooper added extra intrigue to an already surprising trade. After all, Cooper entered the league as the No. 7 overall pick back in 2013.

But the Patriots didn't get Cooper to play up to his potential, namely because they couldn't even get him on the field. He slotted in at right guard throughout the offseason, but a foot injury at the beginning of training camp derailed his chances to start. Finally, on Friday, he escaped the Patriots' injury report for the first time and sounded willing to contribute in whatever way the coaching staff wanted to use him.

"Whatever they need me to do, I'll do it," Cooper said, per the Boston Herald. "I definitely feel like each day I've gotten better, will continue to get better. Whatever they asked me, I'll do it."

It turns out the coaching staff preferred to cut him instead of using him. Before anyone bashes the Patriots for the move, remember that the trade wasn't about Cooper.

Now that Cooper is no longer with the Patriots, their trade with the Cardinals looks like this:

  • Cardinals received: Chandler Jones (four sacks in five games)
  • Patriots received: A second-round pick which was eventually -- after a draft day trade -- turned into a pair of rookies: receiver Malcolm Mitchell and rookie offensive lineman Joe Thuney. Mitchell has appeared in all four games so far, catching four passes for 75 yards, while Thuney is starting at left guard.

I'd say that trade still worked out for both sides.