Former All-Pro WR gives thoughts on Amari Cooper's contract situation
There is no offseason without drama or breaking news surrounding the Dallas Cowboys. This time around, Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper finds himself in a bit of a contract dispute with the front office. Apparently, Dallas is ready to move on. This comes despite the fact that Cooper finished with 68 catches, 865 yards, and […]
There is no offseason without drama or breaking news surrounding the Dallas Cowboys.
This time around, Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper finds himself in a bit of a contract dispute with the front office.
Apparently, Dallas is ready to move on. This comes despite the fact that Cooper finished with 68 catches, 865 yards, and eight touchdowns. The news comes regardless of the fact that there is potential for a trade. Or even simpler – a restructure.
Furthermore, 2021 was considered a down year by Cooper, as he dealt with nagging injuries and COVID symptoms.
This doesn't even include the fact that he was underutilized.
For $20 million per year, the Cowboys wanted to see better production from their number one option on offense. And you can't blame them. But, you can blame them for not exhausting all routes when it comes to Cooper and his contract.
Former All-Pro wideout Chad Johnson even responded to the situation on Twitter. He believes the front office purposely targeted Cooper for other reasons than business decisions.
There's no other way around it: this is a bold statement by Johnson. But he does make a valid point regarding Cooper's touches.
Johnson believes Cooper is a legit No. 1 receiver, but Cooper cannot perform like one when he does not consistently get targets.
As it turns out, 2021 was his lowest target total (104) since he was with the Oakland Raiders back in 2017. He posted 96 that year.
The Cowboys, under Stephen Jones, have cut ties, restructured, and asked players to take pay cuts who they feel underperformed. But this method shouldn't dictate what happens with Cooper.
This is because the seventh-year wideout has been one of the league's best route runners and has a feel of working underneath routes. But for whatever reason, the ball goes the other direction; where what's supposed to be the third- and fourth-options end up with more targets.
In large part, it is the scheme that Kellen Moore runs, which allows maximum ball distribution to multiple players.
This plays to quarterback Dak Prescott, who is receiver-friendly as he spreads the wealth to various receivers. But does it play to Cooper?
That's a big part of the equation.
In the end, both parties are affected, which could result in potential fallout as Dallas looks to give Michael Gallup an extension.
There are serious concerns as Gallup is having surgery on his torn ACL. But what's more concerning is the fact that he didn't have surgery on said ACL until mid-February.
Which begs the question: Why pay a player that has inconsistent hands and was injured for a large part of the season?
Well, the front office wants the $20 million contract off the books. Plus, it wants to feel great about Gallup's potential.
What's Next?
In conclusion, Cooper will be the odd man out after all of the reports that came out earlier today.
As a result, Cedrick Wilson and Gallup look to be the main options at receiver. As opposed to keeping Cooper as the guy.
All I can say at this point is: stay tuned.
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Featured image via-Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
