NFL
Where could Amari Cooper go next if Cowboys release him?
The Dallas Cowboys are expected to let Cooper go before the March 20 deadline, and he will be in high demand for other teams. Here's five possibilities.
In 2019, the Dallas Cowboys traded a first-round pick to get wide receiver Amari Cooper and he delivered impressive stats in his first season with the team (53 receptions for 725 yards and six touchdowns in his nine regular season games) and was selected to the Pro Bowl that year. Since then, he's not made it to another Pro Bowl, and though he’s still done well for a WR2, injuries and inconsistency has made him more of a burden financially to keep him on the Cowboys roster, as he is being paid near the top of the market for a receiver.
Though it makes sense for the Cowboys to cut him, it also makes sense for several other teams to pick him up, as he’s still one of the better receivers in the league and certainly will be one of the best ones on the free agent market if the Cowboys are unable to trade him. Let’s explore where the 27-year old former Pro Bowler could potentially end up.
Cooper to get Chicago Bears first downs, if they remember what those are
Amari Cooper averaged 51 first downs over the last three seasons with the Cowboys, and the Bears could use some of that in their offense. Quarterback Justin Fields could also do for a receiver who can go deep and make vertical plays, and that’s Cooper.
Cooper to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a fair price
The Jaguars are in desperate need of offensive help and they have the cap space for it this offseason. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence needs a WR1. They could go for Davante Adams, but he’s made it known he is expecting around 30 mil. Cooper would be a cheaper option. Another option would be Chris Godwin, but he’s dealing with a torn ACL. Cooper would be the Jags’ best bet to help them on offense for the best price.
Cooper comes home to the Miami Dolphins
Miami is where Cooper grew up playing football. He could be enticed by the idea of returning home. The Dolphins would gain another weapon for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to add to the Jaylen Waddle/Mike Gesicki duo.
Cooper to the Kansas City Chiefs would help weaponize their offense even more
The Chiefs are doing pretty well with Tyreek Hill, but the list of options after him are slim. The Chiefs have been looking for a receiver for a while now. They signed Josh Gordon last year, but that went exactly nowhere. Then they pursued JuJu Smith-Schuster and Josh Reynolds in free agency to no avail. They could use a WR2 and Cooper being a veteran makes him even more appealing.
Cooper to the Detroit Lions....if they can get him
The Lions can definitely afford Cooper and they are in serious need of…well, of an entire offensive line. But the Lions are especially limited on receivers and Cooper could shine with a team like the Detroit. The question is, would he want to? He’s going to have his fair share of options, so I’d say they’re low on the list of actual possibilities, but they are likely to be a suitor if he is in free agency.