Packers may have backup plan for Davante Adams thanks to NFC rival's likely mismanagement
One team's cap casualty is another team's future Pro Bowler? That may just be the case when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, and wide receiver Amari Cooper. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday that the Cowboys are likely to release Cooper, who is set to earn $20 million on March 20. Cooper's […]
One team's cap casualty is another team's future Pro Bowler?
That may just be the case when it comes to the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, and wide receiver Amari Cooper.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday that the Cowboys are likely to release Cooper, who is set to earn $20 million on March 20. Cooper's contract states the money becomes guaranteed on that date, which will be the catalyst behind the Cowboys' potential (or eventual) decision.
What does this have to do with the Packers? As it currently stands, Davante Adams' future in Green Bay is still a question mark. As is Aaron Rodgers' future. Both are likely to be a package-deal, as well. If one goes, the other likely goes, too.
It's always good to have a backup plan and it's likely that general manager Brian Gutekunst does. I mean, he is an NFL GM, at the end of the day.
But now, Gutekunst has a very viable backup plan thanks to the Cowboys' potential decision to release Cooper.
Cooper is no Adams, but he is a very good route runner and can still serve as a No. 1 receiver in the NFL. No matter what the Cowboys may think. Cooper also won't cost as nearly as much as Adams, who said last year that he wants to be the NFL's highest-paid receiver. There's also a chance the Packers tag Adams, which would immediately take $19.127 million out of the Packers' proverbial pockets.
If the bottom were to fall out with Rodgers and Adams, the Packers could then reach across the aisle in an attempt to sign Cooper. It's highly unlikely Green Bay gives Cooper a one-year prove-it deal. But even if that does happen, void years can be added to the deal to help manage the cap hit. Going back to Adams, this route isn't possible with the franchise tag.
The Packers are in terrible position cap-wise, but if they're willing to pay out the nose for Adams, why wouldn't they take a cheaper deal for one of the league's better receivers?
There's still a chance the Cowboys trade Cooper before his release, as well. But until that actually happens, the Packers would be doing themselves a disservice if they didn't at least consider Cooper to some degree.
We'll see what happens. And we'll have an idea of what's going to happen soon since the deadline to tag players is March 8.
Featured image via-Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
