The move comes as a small surprise, but not a huge one. With the release of Cooper, Dallas will be saving $16 million against the cap. Outside of the Green Bay Packers and the New Orleans Saints, no team has a worse cap situation at this present time than Dallas. Releasing Cooper gets them much closer to the cap ceiling, and with a few re-worked contracts Dallas will get there.
With the release of Cooper, sources tell Talking Points Sports the move was made from the very top. The Cowboys brass had to make a choice between Cooper and Michael Gallup, who also is scheduled to be a FA on the 16th. Dallas is close to agreeing a new contract with Gallup, likely signaling the death blow to Cooper’s chances of staying in Dallas.
Cooper had a solid season a year ago, but he was also plagued with injuries. As tough as they come, Cooper played through the injuries and was available for Dallas. His commitment is well noted.
Where could Cooper end up? Let’s have a look at 5 potential landing spots.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns have made it no secret that they want to improve their passing attack this offseason. The Browns have to see what they have in Baker Mayfield, and in order to properly diagnose that they have got to get him proper weapons. Hence why the Browns have been linked to every top receiving prospect and every top receiving option in free agency.
Enter Cooper. Cooper can be the de facto number one option for the Cleveland Browns, and in an offense where HC Kevin Stefanski wants to run the ball, Cooper may not be asked to do anything exuberant. Figure 85-90 receptions could be a great return for him, while coming down with 6-7 touchdowns in this Browns offense.
Cooper would be Mayfield’s top option immediately, and the Browns wouldn’t take themselves out of the running for any of the top prospects at the position during the draft. Sources have confirmed to Talking Points Sports the Browns remain interested in top receiving prospects Drake London, Traylon Burks, and Chris Olave.
Las Vegas Raiders
How fitting would this be. Cooper, who was an Oakland Raider before being dealt to Dallas, returns to the team that drafted him now in a different location. The fit does make sense on a lot of levels, but this would truly be a romantic move for all parties to hopefully consider.
Cooper wouldn’t have to build a new connection with a new quarterback, for starters. He and Derek Carr played together for three years (2015-2018) whilst with the Raiders. If the Raiders fail in their pursuit of Davante Adams, could Amari Cooper be the next option?
For starters, think of what the Raiders offense already has. They already have a good running game spearheaded by Josh Jacobs, Hunter Renfrow was excellent in 2021, and Darren Waller remains one of the best pass catching tight ends in the game. Add Cooper to that, and the Raiders, with new HC Josh McDaniels, have themselves a real offense to work with.
Miami Dolphins
Cue all of the links to the Miami Dolphins. What do Jaylin Waddle, Tua Tagovailoa, and Amari Cooper all have in common? Yup, they all played for Alabama. If the Dolphins want to add another weapon for their young quarterback, a call to Cooper should be made.
With the Dolphins already having money committed to Devante Parker, they would likely have to move some money around. Waddle, Parker, Cooper, and Mike Gesicki as pass catching options for the Dolphins could be really nice for Tagovailoa, and the Dolphins need to see what they have in him.
Not to mention, bringing in an experienced receiver like Cooper could be fantastic for Waddle’s development. Waddle showed real promise in his rookie year, and is looking to build on that in 2022. Bringing in Cooper to help aid that development could be a real smart signing for the Dolphins.
Chicago Bears
The Bears have to improve their pass catching options this offseason. Allen Robinson is scheduled to be a free agent, and if he leaves in free agency Darnell Mooney stands to be the number one receiver for the Bears. That simply will not cut it, and the Bears know this.
Cooper could be a great addition for Bears young quarterback Justin Fields. While Fields was solid come the end of 2021, in order for him to succeed the Bears absolutely have got to get him more weapons. The Bears cannot do what the Giants have done with Daniel Jones or what the Jets did with Sam Darnold, leaving their young quarterbacks hung out to dry with less than adequate receiving options.
There is a link here as well. While they weren’t in Dallas together, Matt Eberflus served on the Dallas defensive staff and could use his connections in the front office to get a leg up on the competition for Cooper’s services.
Detroit Lions
The Lions will be linked to every single receiver on the market this offseason. They have to improve their ranks, on top of what they already have with Amon-Ra St. Brown. Whether it be for Jared Goff or the next young quarterback that they try to make as their next franchise guy, the need for more proven pass catchers cannot be overstated.
If the Lions wish to be competitive next season, they cannot go with their existing options. While T.J. Hockenson and D’Andre Swift are solid options, the Lions need more on the outside. St. Brown in the slot with Cooper as one of their outside receivers could be a good place to start in an effort to rebuild the offense.
While the Lions won’t be immediately good again, they have to start somewhere. Giving whomever their quarterback is a solid, veteran presence to throw to would be a fantastic start.
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