Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper is one of the most impactful players in their offense when healthy. But with the franchise tight against the 2022 NFL salary cap and durability a long-term concern regarding Cooper, he’s been floated as an offseason trade candidate.
Dallas drafted its long-term No. 1 receiver in CeeDee Lamb, who took another step forward in his second NFL season. With key players headed to free agency, moving on from Cooper and clearing up $16-plus million in cap space would go a long way.
While he is a go-to weapon for quarterback Dak Prescott, there have been some frustrations in Dallas. Reports emerged in July about the team’s dissatisfaction with the constant injuries Cooper dealt with after signing his $100 million contract. While he produced respectable numbers, his unvaccinated status also cost him games.
- Amari Cooper stats (2021): 68 receptions, 865 receiving yards, 12.7 ypc, 8 touchdowns
Despite that, per Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson, many expected Cooper to stick around in Dallas in 2022. A decision isn’t final, but most around the NFL reportedly believe that the Cowboys will use the upcoming season as an evaluation year for Cooper.
4 best Amari Cooper trade destinations
The 27-year-old carries a $22 million cap hit through each of the next three seasons, averaging $20 million in base salary through 2024. While it makes him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL, his talent would certainly generate interest if Dallas made him available.
Ultimately, Michael Gallup’s torn ACL might be what keeps Cooper in Dallas. Gallup seemed to be emerging as a bonafide No. 2 receiver, one who had a strong connection with Prescott. But the impending free agent will now spend months recovering from knee surgery, making the Cowboys’ decision to keep Cooper easier.
Related: NFL mock draft 2023 – CJ Stroud, Bryce Young headline outstanding 2023 NFL Draft class