REPORT: Cowboys 'likely' to release WR Amari Cooper
The speculation surrounding Amari Cooper's future with the Dallas Cowboys has almost evolved into truth. As a matter of fact, it appears as if it's only a matter of time before it does. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Cowboys are "likely" to release Cooper by the start of the new league year, which is March […]
The speculation surrounding Amari Cooper's future with the Dallas Cowboys has almost evolved into truth. As a matter of fact, it appears as if it's only a matter of time before it does.
Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Cowboys are "likely" to release Cooper by the start of the new league year, which is March 16. Cooper's $20 million base salary full guarantees on March 20, which is the fifth day of the new league year.
It's an interesting move considering the fact that the Cowboys don't really have to release Cooper. They could trade him or even restructure his cap hit in order to create some much-needed cap space. But Jerry Jones has expressed frustration with Cooper in the past, which is likely to be the catalyst behind the decision.
If (or when) Cooper is released, he will immediately become one of the more attractive free agents on the market. Who knows what his new deal will entail, but the one thing that is certain is his new team will gain a talented, former first-round pick who has hit 1,000 receiving yards in five of seven seasons in the league.
The move also leaves the Cowboys with one proven receiver on their roster in third-year receiver CeeDee Lamb. Receivers Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson -two of the team's main options from the last couple of years- are impending free agents, as well.
Cooper was drafted by the then-Oakland Raiders (now Las Vegas) in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He's played in 108 games over the past seven seasons, recording 517 receptions for 7,076 yards and 46 touchdowns. He had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons during his first two full years in Dallas before injuries and COVID-19 limited him to 865-yards on 68 catches. However, he still managed to tie for the team lead in receiving touchdowns (8) despite missing time.
Featured image via-Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
