Multiple reports surfaced this past week that suggest the Dallas Cowboys are preparing to release or trade wide receiver Amari Cooper.

Cowboys are “likely” to release WR Amari Copper by the start of the new league year, per league sources.

Cooper is due $20 million in fully guaranteed money on the fifth day of the new league year, March 20.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2022

The only reason Dallas is considering this option is because it would save the franchise $16 million in cap space. The Cowboys are in a bit of a salary cap crunch right now, so it makes sense as to why they'd want to find creative ways to create some financial flexibility.

But releasing Cooper isn't the answer. In fact, it's a really bad idea.

One analytical projection has Dallas as a six to eight-win team if the Cowboys decide to release Cooper.

Next Gen Analytics predict the Cowboys are a 6-8 win team once Amari Cooper departs. ?

— Joe Rodriguez (@CowboysBlogNet) March 5, 2022

At first glance, that might seem like a bit of an overreaction, considering Cooper is coming off his worst statistical season since 2017.

The former Alabama standout caught 68 passes for 865 yards and eight touchdowns in 15 games.

Those numbers, however, don't tell the full impact of Cooper on the offense.

Quarterback Dak Prescott is a better player when Cooper is on the field, which obviously extends to the offense.

Prescott's passer rating with Cooper on the field is 108. When Cooper isn't on the field, that rating is 83.1.

#Cowboys QB Dak Prescott with Amari Cooper in 2021:

Passer Rating of 108. #Cowboys QB Dak Prescott without Amari Cooper in 2021:

Passer Rating of 83.1.

— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) February 4, 2022

The Cowboys had the No. 1 scoring offense in the NFL in 2021 and they still weren't able to get the job done. What makes the team think that taking away an important component of the offense is going to make Dallas better in 2022?

Cooper is an integral part of the Cowboys' offense. If he's released by Dallas, the offense — and probably Dak as well — will take a step back. And that's not something this team can afford as they attempt to make a Super Bowl run in 2022.

The Cowboys' championship window is wide open right now. Releasing Cooper, however, would cause that window to start closing. Dallas needs to seriously consider other ways to save cash this offseason.

Featured image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports