What Cowboys releasing Amari Cooper means for CeeDee Lamb
Amari Cooper, reportedly, has played his final game as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. After weeks of reports and speculation, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Friday morning that the Cowboys will soon release the Pro Bowl wideout. Cowboys insider Bobby Belt had been all over the potential this offseason. Cooper is due $20 million […]
Amari Cooper, reportedly, has played his final game as a member of the Dallas Cowboys.
After weeks of reports and speculation, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Friday morning that the Cowboys will soon release the Pro Bowl wideout. Cowboys insider Bobby Belt had been all over the potential this offseason.
Cooper is due $20 million guaranteed five days after the new league year begins, which is March 20. Avoiding paying the wideout the big chunk of change is the biggest motive for the Cowboys to make this kind of move.
There were other ways for the Cowboys to avoid this from happening. For instance, a simple restructure would've spread Cooper's money out and helped get the Cowboys under the salary cap. Instead, the front office opted to part ways altogether.
Nonetheless, the team must move on. Cooper's release potentially speaks to the level of confidence that the Cowboys have in rising third-year wideout CeeDee Lamb.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR LAMB
The Dallas Cowboys drafted CeeDee Lamb in the first-round of the 2020 NFL Draft with the expectation that he would grow into the alpha at wide receiver. Lamb was widely considered to be the top receiver in his draft class before he fell into the Cowboys' lap on draft night.
Lamb has flashed big potential through two seasons, especially with Dak Prescott on the field. The Oklahoma product eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving last season and earned the first Pro Bowl nod of his young career.
By releasing Amari Cooper, it appears that the Dallas Cowboys are confident that CeeDee Lamb has what it takes to be a true No. 1 option in the passing game.
Lamb now has to step into a role that will have defenses keying on him down-in and down-out. He will no longer have the benefit of playing alongside a veteran talent such as Cooper, who demanded the respect of defensive game plans.
Fortunately, Lamb does have the talent and the upside to transition into that. While he struggled with drops last season, Lamb is typically a player that can go and get the football and is dangerous after the catch.
CeeDee Lamb was drafted to have a similar impact to what Justin Jefferson is having with the Vikings and Ja'Marr Chase is with the Bengals. Now, he has his opportunity to do just that.
Featured image via Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
