Dallas Cowboys: Trading for Amari Cooper could solve No. 1 WR issue

The Dallas Cowboys are devoid of top-end talent in their receiver ranks, perhaps a trade with the Oakland Raiders could solve some current issues on both teams.

After jettisoning Dez Bryant in the offseason, the Dallas Cowboys found themselves without a clear No. 1 option in the passing game. To make matters worse, longtime safety valve, Jason Witten, retired for a career in broadcasting only days later.

It should be no wonder the Dallas Cowboys passing attack is struggling in Year 3 of the Dak Prescott era. Even if a valid case can be made Dez wasn’t a legitimate No. 1 for some time, the absence of an alpha WR is glaringly apparent.

Six weeks into the regular season, very few options exist for the Dallas Cowboys. But perhaps another fledgling team could be the solution to the Dallas Cowboys’ problems…

Strange things are amiss in Oakland Raiders land (props to Bill and Ted). Since taking over the franchise, Jon Gruden has done puzzling thing after puzzling thing on a nearly daily basis. The biggest of which was the dispatching of Khalil Mack, arguably the NFL’s best pass-rusher.

While Dak Prescott’s struggles have been eerily similar to Carr’s struggles in Oakland, Prescott doesn’t enjoy a fraction of the talent occupying Carr’s arsenal.

In Gruden’s quest to remake the team in his own image, the Raiders seem to be happy trading proven performers away so they can acquire extra draft selections. This long-game they’re playing may make former first round draft pick, Amari Cooper, attainable to a team like the Dallas Cowboys.

Cooper, the top WR in the 2015 draft, is talented but far from a proven thing in the NFL.

His turbulent career has seen its share of ups as well as downs. After posting over 1,000 yards in each of his first two NFL seasons, Cooper turned in a paltry 680 yards last season.

This season isn’t trending much better as Cooper only has 280 yards and one touchdown through five games. In fact, he was only targeted once in last week’s loss to the Chargers. That’s not the kind of production you expect from a top-5 pick who has been considered one of the most complete prospects to come out of the draft in years.

At only 24-years-old, Cooper has plenty of time to live up to his potential. He has deep speed (complete with a “second gear”), route running ability, top-notch athleticism, and good hands. While drops have plagued him in the past they don’t seem to be an issue much now, Pro Football Focus (subscription required) only dings him for one drop this season, despite being on the receiving end of a few ugly Derek Carr passes.

While Dak Prescott’s struggles have been eerily similar to Carr’s struggles in Oakland, Prescott doesn’t enjoy a fraction of the talent occupying Carr’s arsenal. Jordy Nelson Jared Cook, and Martavis Bryant all take from Cooper’s targets. No one on the Cowboys, outside of Cole Beasley in the slot, would warrant a target over Cooper (should he join the Dallas ranks).

Plus Cooper is mild-mannered enough where he won’t throw a sideline hissy fit should he not be targeted enough (unlike others who shall remain nameless).