The Dallas Cowboys are determined to keep both star quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Amari Cooper. While Prescott has been the team’s top priority this offseason, it’s Cooper that could reportedly land his big contract first.
According to ESPN’s Ed Werder, the Cowboys are pushing towards reaching an agreement with Cooper and with both sides motivated to complete a deal, he is now likelier to sign a long-term contract before Prescott.
The 25-year-old star receiver made his desire to remain in Dallas known and is determined to try and stay with the Cowboys. Cooper, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, is reportedly seeking to become one of the NFL’s highest-paid receivers, which could mean he lands a multi-year deal worth more than $18 million per season.
There is reportedly a larger sticking point in the Cowboys’ contract talks with Prescott. While both sides don’t appear close to an agreement, owner Jerry Jones is determined to keep Prescott and will apply the $33 million exclusive franchise tag as a last resort.
It will be crucial for the Cowboys to re-sign Cooper before he hits the open market, when teams like the Denver Broncos will pursue him. If the star receiver ultimately leaves, the Cowboys can draft a No. 1 receiver in the 2020 NFL Draft, which happens in the latest mock draft.