In October 2018, the Dallas Cowboys made a trade for a No. 1 wide receiver that they thought would take them to the next level. They acquired Amari Cooper from the Oakland Raiders in exchange for a first-round pick. Looking back at the trade, the Raiders could be the big winners if Cooper leaves in free agency.
The Cowboys are going through a transition. After missing the playoffs with an 8-8 record this season, Dallas finally let go of Jason Garrett. They have expressed interest in keeping Cooper, along with Dak Prescott and Byron Jones, but the odds are against them. Prescott would demand a contract that pays him at least $30 million a year. The Cowboys already have a large chunk invested in Ezekiel Elliott. This does not leave much room for a third big contract.
On paper, Cooper had a productive season. He finished with 79 catches for 1,189 yards and eight touchdowns. What should be alarming is how Cooper seemed to disappear when the stage was the biggest. Cooper did most of his work in four games including a 226-yard performance against the Green Bay Packers. Outside of those games, Cooper was mediocre. He did not record a catch in a 13-9 loss in Foxborough. With the division on the line against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16, Cooper finished with four catches for 24 yards.
It is becoming likely that Cooper will hit the free agent market. The Cowboys could keep him around for another year if they choose to place the franchise tag on him.
Possible Destinations for Cooper
It is one thing to lose Cooper in free agency but it would be even more agonizing to lose him to a division rival. There will be many teams in on Cooper, especially in the NFC East. The Eagles are in need of a No. 1 receiver and someone who could compliment Alshon Jeffrey. The Washington Redskins just underwent a complete overhaul of the franchise. They are also in need of a big-time weapon.
Outside of the division, the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers could be in the market for another receiver. Cooper will be 26 years old when the 2020 season begins. He is right in the prime of his career. There is a strong possibility that Cooper leaves the Cowboys for the money.
Dallas underachieved once again this season. On paper, they are one of the most talented teams in the league but have not been able to put it together. Garrett received most of the blame but he will not be around to accept it next season. With other contracts that need to be figured out, Dallas needs to figure out which they want to move forward with. Cooper could be the odd man out.
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