Amari Cooper finds himself at a crossroads after making the significant leap from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills just before the trade deadline. As he approaches the age of 31, Cooper’s status as a free agent brings about an interesting landscape as he looks for a new team to call home. While it’s clear he won’t be securing another massive deal like the one that netted him $100 million previously, the current free agency class for wide receivers is far from overwhelming, which might play to his advantage.
One potential reunion is with the Dallas Cowboys, the team where Cooper had a fruitful four-year stint. In that time, he amassed 292 receptions, 3,839 receiving yards, and 27 touchdowns across 56 games — numbers that showcase his ability to connect with quarterback Dak Prescott. As someone who has already established chemistry with Prescott, Cooper could serve as a vital asset in Dallas, particularly under the leadership of new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who will be looking to instill a fresh offensive dynamic.
Last season, Cooper’s production took a bit of a dip, totaling 588 yards and four touchdowns over 50 grabs while navigating the challenges of the Browns’ offense and transitioning to a Bills squad that already featured a plethora of receiving threats for Josh Allen. As a result, it’s easy to see why teams might question his contributions based on the numbers alone. However, with just 30 years behind him, Cooper still has ample potential to deliver solid performances.
The Cowboys find themselves in a situation where they need to bolster their receiving corps. While CeeDee Lamb stands as the leading option, depth beyond him is lacking and has been a drawback for the offense in recent years. Given Prescott’s recovery from a season-ending injury, the need for reliable targets who can create plays is critical. Cooper, with his familiarity with the Cowboys’ system, could step back into that role seamlessly.
Projected to earn a $28 million deal over two seasons, Cooper represents a reasonably priced addition for Dallas. His return could provide an opportunity to silence any doubts about the previous season’s struggles and reaffirm his value as he looks to extend his career on a high note. As the Cowboys assess their options in a pivotal offseason, re-signing Cooper could be the move that strengthens their offense and helps them compete at a higher level moving forward.
