The Dallas Cowboys made it clear that they will be moving on from Amari Cooper this offseason. Rather than release him, they found a trade partner for him: the Cleveland Browns.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Dallas is sending Cooper and a draft pick to the Browns in exchange for two late-round draft picks.
This move will be the first big trade for the Cowboys this offseason, as they have allowed right tackle La'el Collins to seek trade options. Dallas was not happy with Cooper's playoff performance, which led to the decision to move on from him. There will be a lot of roster reconstruction under place for the reigning NFC East champs.
The Cowboys cleared $16 million in cap space with the trade. With tons of key free agents to sign — including wide receivers Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson Jr. — they have more flexibility to do it. With tight end Dalton Schultz franchise tagged, Dallas needs to load up on more pass-catchers for Dak Prescott.
The Browns, meanwhile, were in need of a wide receiver after cutting ties with Odell Beckham Jr. The 27-year-old Cooper has four Pro Bowl selections under his belt and tallied 865 receiving yards on 68 catches and eight touchdowns last season. He recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in the three seasons prior to that.
Baker Mayfield now gets another big-name wide receiver to work with as he tries to get the Browns back to the postseason. Cooper can become the main target in a receiving core that features Jarvis Landry, David Njoku and Donovan Peoples-Jones.