The Dallas Cowboys are likely to release former Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Cooper’s $20 million salary will become fully guaranteed on the fifth day of the new league year, which begins March 16. With that deadline rapidly approaching, Cooper could hit an already impressive free agent market in less than two weeks. Which Cooper landing spots are most reasonable?
Why cutting Amari Cooper makes sense
The Cowboys acquired Cooper in the middle of the 2018 season for a 2019 first-round pick. While Cooper has been a go-to receiver for QB Dak Prescott when healthy, the wideout has dealt with injuries and inconsistent play throughout his time in Texas. He also hasn’t been selected to an all-star game since 2019, which was his first full year in Dallas.
Last season, Cooper produced 865 yards and 8 touchdowns on 68 catches. While those numbers are respectable for a No. 2 receiver, Cooper is being paid near the top of the market for the position. With fellow wideouts Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson set to test free agency and likely cost less on a long-term deal, it makes sense to cut Cooper to pay for the younger pair to partner with CeeDee Lamb for the long-term future.
The Cowboys are projected to be $13 million over the salary cap entering free agency, according to Over The Cap. Cutting Cooper before March 20 would save the Cowboys $16 million in space. With a few more moves ahead of the new league year, the Cowboys could free up enough space to also franchise-tag ascending tight end Dalton Schultz.
Top five landing spots for Cooper
While Cooper hasn’t lived up to his contract or the Cowboys’ midseason trade for him, he’s still a bona fide No. 1 receiver who could help a lot of teams. Here are five teams who would make sense for the four-time Pro Bowl playmaker:
Philadelphia Eagles: The idea of signing a division rival to a big contract should give GM Howie Roseman some pause, but Cooper would be an ideal complement to DeVonta Smith as an X receiver. Cooper might want to get some revenge on the Cowboys, who have always seemed to have one foot out of the door with him.
Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars need all the help they can get on offense. With Doug Pederson running the offense, Cooper could be his new Alshon Jeffery at the X spot. Cooper would legitimize the wideout room in Duval.
Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert is an absolute stud, and he needs a primary target outside of Keenan Allen. If Mike Williams proves to be too pricy to re-sign ahead of free agency, Cooper, who is still just 27, could be an amazing consolation prize.
Indianapolis Colts: If the Colts decide to stick with Carson Wentz (unlikely), they’ll need to improve his passing weapons. Cooper is the type of veteran receiver who can come in and make a difference for Wentz opposite Michael Pittman.
Detroit Lions: If Cooper wants to become the face of an offense, Detroit is where he should go. The Lions have a ton of money, limited wideout talent, and an offense that needs a major jolt of playmaking prowess. Cooper would be given the key to the city after his first big gain for a touchdown.