Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Friday that the Dallas Cowboys are “likely” to release wide receiver Amari Cooper before the start of the new league year. Schefter said Dallas would attempt to trade Cooper first, but that a trade was “not likely.”
The Cowboys would prefer to keep Cooper, but he’s due $20 million in guaranteed money on the fifth day of the new league year. For a team that’s projected to be over the salary cap, that’s a problem.
In January, Dallas owner Jerry Jones criticized Cooper’s production in terms of what the Cowboys were paying him. Instead of keeping Cooper, it appears as if Dallas would prefer to re-sign Michael Gallup.
So, if Dallas releases Cooper, should the Washington Commanders make a play for the 27-year-old four-time Pro Bowl wideout?
If the Cowboys cut Amari Cooper, he would count $6 million against the salary cap, not $22 million for a team that is projected to be more than $21 million over the cap. A trade with Cooper’s contract is, in the words of one source, “not likely.”https://t.co/iOjlcJIrHI https://t.co/NfcC8f9w5H
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2022
After all, in Washington coach Ron Rivera’s first offseason with his new team in 2020, the Commanders pursued Cooper and reportedly offered him more money than the Cowboys. Cooper chose to remain with Dallas and quarterback Dak Prescott.
Now, Cooper could be free again and Washington has the cap space and a need at wide receiver.
There are multiple reasons why I don’t think Washington is a major player for Cooper this time around. One, Terry McLaurin is extension-eligible, and outside of finding a legit starting quarterback, extending McLaurin is a top priority for the Commanders. McLaurin will want to be paid like a No. 1 wide receiver, which he has earned.
Washington can’t pay two wide receivers elite money. And while Cooper has terrific talent, McLaurin is the more dynamic player. Cooper is still young and will have a robust market. He will look for a long-term deal, while Washington would probably prefer something more short-term.
There is also the presence of Curtis Samuel. Yes, Samuel disappointed in his first year with the Commanders in 2021, but that was due to injury. Washington paid Samuel $34.5 million over three years and remain high on his potential to recapture his 2020 form.
Washington could use Cooper. It’s just likely he will be looking for more than the Commanders are willing to pay with McLaurin in mind. The Eagles and Giants could also use Cooper. He will have a robust market.
Yes, the Commanders will be interested, but not at the level they were in 2020. Instead, Washington will look at signing another receiver, or waiting until April’s NFL draft to add another playmaker.