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The Dallas Cowboys made headlines when it was announced that the franchise had intentions of releasing star wide receiver Amari Cooper. Cooper is due to count over $20 million against the Cowboys' cap in 2022, a number that isn't doing the team any favors as they attempt to improve the roster this offseason. However, it appears that Dallas is committed to moving on from Cooper. But is releasing the Pro Bowler the best way to go about it? If the Cowboys were to trade the 27-year-old, they'd still be removing his cap number off the books while receiving compensation for him in the process. It's clear that if they're going to move on from Cooper, a trade is the best way to do it. That said, these are three teams that must trade for Cooper if Dallas decides to go that route.
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3 Teams That Must Trade For Amari Cooper
3. New England Patriots
The Patriots were linked to star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. last year when he became a free agent- and the two sides very nearly came to an agreement. Beckham is an undeniable talent in the NFL, though Cooper arguably has more value right now. The Cowboys star is still just 27 and has made the Pro Bowl four times while appearing in 15 or more games in each of the last four seasons. Cooper is not only consistently available, but he is also talented. New England has been searching for a number one-wideout for young signal-caller Mac Jones to throw to. Cooper, who has seen over 100 targets in a season six times, would instantly become Jones' go-to receiver with the Patriots.
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have a number of ways they can go about this offseason. Armed with a ton of cap space and the number one overall pick, the Jags are in a position where they can acquire some elite young talent while also bringing in some capable veterans. Jacksonville has been linked to star wideouts such as Davante Adams and Chris Godwin. However, why pay up for those players when they could easily acquire someone like Cooper for a draft pick? Quarterback Trevor Lawrence struggled in year one, partly because he wasn't protected enough and partly because he didn't have a true go-to receiver to throw the ball to. In one offseason, the Jaguars can potentially protect his blindside by selecting Evan Neal with the first pick while providing him with a number-one receiver in Amari Cooper. And then they can start spending on free agents.
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are seemingly in the category of good, but not quite good enough to make it to the Super Bowl. Baltimore succumbed to injuries last season but has the talent to make it to the big game led by quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson and the Ravens offense are considered one of the better teams in the league at running the ball, but have fallen short as a passing offense, due in part to the weapons in place. Embattled wideout Antonio Brown's name has come up as a possible addition to the Ravens' offense. Rather than going down that rocky road, the Ravens should trade for Cooper. Baltimore would then field an offense with Jackson at quarterback, J.K. Dobbins at halfback, Cooper, Marquise Brown and the up-and-coming Rashod Bateman at wideout, and Mark Andrews at tight end. That would be incredibly difficult to defend against and would instantly give Jackson another Pro Bowl-caliber weapon to throw to.
