ESPN grades the Amari Cooper trade better for the Cowboys than the Browns
The Dallas Cowboys traded wide receiver Amari Cooper and a 2022 sixth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns on Saturday for a 2022 fifth-round pick and 2022 sixth-round pick. Dallas made the move to clear cap space. Had they not been able to find a trade partner by March 20 (when Cooper's contract became guaranteed), they […]
The Dallas Cowboys traded wide receiver Amari Cooper and a 2022 sixth-round pick to the Cleveland Browns on Saturday for a 2022 fifth-round pick and 2022 sixth-round pick.
Dallas made the move to clear cap space. Had they not been able to find a trade partner by March 20 (when Cooper's contract became guaranteed), they would've released the four-time Pro-Bowler.
At first glance, it feels like the Browns won this trade in a landslide. They get one of the best route runners in football for next to nothing. Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield is probably over the moon thinking about throwing to Cooper next season.
It was Dallas, however, that received the better grade for this trade from ESPN.
They gave the Cowboys an "A-" for the trade and they gave the Browns a "C".
ESPN pointed out that Dallas is saving $16 million in cap space by trading Cooper. They also like that Dallas got a pick for Cooper and didn't have to release him. The Cowboys had no choice but to make some tough moves to free up cap space. In a perfect world, they keep Cooper in 2022. But that just wasn't feasible for them.
Here's ESPN's explanation on the Browns' side of the trade:
The Browns' calculus was more complicated. It was more than reasonable for them to target an outside receiver after their falling out with Odell Beckham Jr. last season, and Cooper would seem to have several high-end seasons left as he approaches his 28th birthday. But could the Browns have waited for the Cowboys to release him first, holding on to their draft choice and potentially getting him at a lower value? Or were they smart to lock him in at that rate, given the possibility of a bidding war on the open market? Cooper's $20 million base salary will be fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the league year; his $20 million salaries in 2023 and 2024 are not guaranteed. For what it's worth, the only NFL receivers at the moment slated to earn more in 2022 are Mike Williams and Davante Adams.
I actually disagree with ESPN's grade for the Browns. I think Cleveland was wise to get Cooper before he hit the open market.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver AJ Brown agrees.
Ultimately, Dallas and Cleveland both walked away winners on Saturday.
The Cowboys, though, are still a Super Bowl contender without Cooper. And the Browns, are far from a Super Bowl contender even with Cooper. So I'd say the edge still goes to Dallas even though Cleveland made a good deal.
Featured image via USA TODAY Sports
