The draft came and went without the Cowboys adding at the receiver spot. At least one addition amongst the veterans still on the market is expected as a result, with a familiar face on the team’s radar. 
Amari Cooper‘s name was recently mentioned as a wideout the Cowboys have discussed bringing back. Nothing is imminent at this point, but this team-player connection remains one to watch. During an appearance on SportsCenter yesterday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported a “mutual interest” exists between Dallas and Cooper (h/t Bleacher Report).
The Cowboys traded for Cooper in 2018, with a first-round pick going the other way. The former Raider remained in Dallas for another three seasons, topping 1,100 receiving yards on two occasions. With CeeDee Lamb emerging as the team’s WR1, Cooper was dealt to the Browns in March 2022 as part of a late-round pick swap agreement. Since that point, the Cowboys have attempted to find a viable group of options to complement Lamb.
Over the past two seasons, that effort included Brandin Cooks logging a starter’s role. He returned to the Saints during free agency, though, further limiting the number of veterans still available to Dallas. Cooper – whose production took a notable step back in 2024 – should not require a major financial investment if a Cowboys reunion is to take place. Given Lamb’s $34MM-per-year pact, cost-effective role players will of course be key at the position.
During his two full seasons in Cleveland, Cooper racked up 2,410 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Browns struggled with respect to quarterback play last year, and the midseason trade which sent him to Buffalo did not produce a large workload on his new team. Entering his age-31 campaign, Cooper will not be expected to duplicate the success from earlier in his career on his next team.
Nevertheless, the five-time Pro Bowler could help a Cowboys WR room led by Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, Jonathan Mingo Parris Campbell and returner KaVontae Turpin. Dallas currently has roughly $34.5MM in cap space with other offseason priorities (like a Micah Parsons extension) to attend to. It will be interesting to see, though, if progress toward a Cooper agreement can be made in the near future.
Last year he looked like he’s headed toward that cliff, if not in the process of going over it, but Dallas sure does need an outside receiver.
Last year Zeke was a bust. IMO this could have the same feeling. Dallas definitely doesn’t make any moves with a sense of urgency to win now.
Agreed, but at least it’s free agency this time. Cooper won’t cost much, and even though he’s not an elite receiver anymore, he certainly shouldn’t an issue as a number two. Either he or Allen could fill that role well behind Lamb, but I do agree that Dallas threw out all of that money just settle behind an unaggressive draft approach.
Aggressiveness isn’t always good, mind you, but when you sink that many resources into (soon to be) three players, your timeline starts to revolve around them. You need to work within that window at that point, instead of a longer overall team based one.
Don’t need Cooper-he’s known to disappear in big games.
Then he’s perfect for the Cowboys. They’re never in big games!
link to youtube.com
They should want him, he is absolutely still a good #2.
Only if the number three and four have been traded away…
Cooper was sold off in a fire sale after he refused to practice, arrived late to events, and was an invisible man after battling the coaching staff. The new coach claims he wants players that love the game, leaders on and off the field as well as a willingness work 4 quarters and more? Does that sound like Cooper? NO…….So don’t hold your breath for his return.
I heard he was traded because he refused the Covid jab
He put up subpar numbers with a better QB last year. This move seems lazy. Show a little enthusiasm when playing free agency Cowboys FO. This would be another lazy move like the Zeke move last year.
Well, he did it as a number one, which he will not be, and the Cowboys don’t have many other options right now. Allen could be one, but due to Dallas failing to adequately address this issue during the draft, they have to work with what they’ve got now.
Jerry Jones is 82 so we have to expect him to be a bit lazy and senile occasionally. He hasn’t suggested a reunion with Dez Bryant would be a great move for Dallas so that confirms he’s staying on his meds.
Cooper can continue his career-long tradition of not winning a Super Bowl…