The NFC West just added a seriously formidable pass rusher. The Arizona Cardinals have dealt guard Jonathan Cooper and a second round pick to the New England Patriots for Chandler Jones, according to Adam Schefter.
Jones led the Patriots with 12.5 sacks last season, and has 36 sacks through four seasons. The Cardinals got by with a lot of veterans in their pass rush, and adding Jones gives them a serious youth infusion. The Patriots did this deal because they knew it was going to be tough to get Jones extended next year. They get a talented young guard in Cooper, plus a late second round pick. The Patriots offensive line featured a lot of rotation this past year, and Cooper has the potential to lock down one of the guard positions. He has struggled in the NFL, but he is a talented option.
The 49ers face off against both these teams in 2016. The Patriots lose a strong pass rusher, but they add a big weapon in the 2016 draft, along with Cooper's upside. The NFC West saw Bruce Irvin depart the division, but now welcomes Chandler Jones. It makes the 49ers need to shore up their offensive line all the more important.