Likely release of Amari Cooper makes WR big draft need for Cowboys
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones set the tone for wide receiver Amari Cooper not being in Dallas in 2022 when he spoke at the NFL Combine. "It's too early for me to address yet," Jones said. "We're continuing to have conversations. A lot of things affect that in terms of — we've obviously been […]
Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones set the tone for wide receiver Amari Cooper not being in Dallas in 2022 when he spoke at the NFL Combine.
"It's too early for me to address yet," Jones said. "We're continuing to have conversations. A lot of things affect that in terms of — we've obviously been so fortunate to have those three great receivers on our roster, and obviously that's hard to keep doing under a salary cap. Certainly Cedrick Wilson did a really nice job for us. He's up.
"There's some moving parts to that that we'll have to continue to massage as we move forward."
That's not a flattering endorsement when it comes to what's supposed to be the Cowboys' top receiver. On Friday, ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the news that the Cowboys are likely to release Cooper.
Dallas is around $22 million over the salary cap and has some work to do in order to get under it. Restructuring deals for several of their players like Dak Prescott, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Ezekiel Elliott can make that happen. Reworking Cooper's deal is an option, as well, and could potentially create around $12.7 million in cap room.
The Cowboys aren't likely to go that route when considering the latest on Cooper's future. If that's true, then wide receiver moves up significantly on the Cowboys' priority list in the NFL draft. Fortunately for them, there are some nice options like Treylon Burks out of Arkansas and Chris Olave out of Ohio State. There's a possibility that one -or both- will be available at No. 24.
Burks was a three-year starter for the Razorbacks. In 2021, he was named first-team All-SEC after recording 1,104 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. He doesn't have that second gear speed-wise, evidenced by his 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. However, his ability to play on the outside, in the slot, and in the backfield make him much like Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers. But in a 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame.
Olave never reached 1,000 yards with the Buckeyes but he had double-digit touchdown seasons in 2019 and 2021. The Cowboys need a deep threat to take the top off of opposing defenses and seeing as how Olave ran a 4.39 in the 40-yard dash at the combine, he should be on the radar for Dallas.
Skyy Moore out of Western Michigan was also named a fit for the Cowboys, recently. Much like Burks, Moore can lineup at multiple spots. He ran a 4.41 in the 40-yard dash, so his speed makes him an intriguing name for the Cowboys to keep an eye on. He's possibly a Day 2 selection.
There are several other receivers the Cowboys can look at as well. It looks like Prescott will be getting a new target soon from the college ranks as the Cooper era in Dallas appears to be over.
Feature image via Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
