Dallas Cowboys: 3 Inexpensive free agent replacements for Amari Cooper
By Reid Hanson
Dez Bryant
Age: 31
6-foot-2, 220lb
The story that just won’t go away. Former Cowboys, Dez Bryant, has been publicly lobbying for one last crack at the NFL for a while now. He’s made it known he’d prefer to rejoin the Dallas Cowboys, but he’d be willing to play elsewhere if that’s where the opportunity arises.
The Dallas Cowboys haven’t exactly shut the door on a potential reunion. It could be because they just love being in the headlines. Or it could be because they consider it a possible option under the right circumstances.
If Dallas loses Amari Cooper, they may opt for a humbled and motivated Bryant to help fill the void. It’s hard to say how much Dez has left in speed but his workouts are somewhat inspiring. If Dez came back he’d go right back into his old spot at the X. The main difference would be he’d now be the 3rd or even 4th option on offense.
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If Dallas went the Dez route they’d save a bundle in cash and could upgrade in other areas that are otherwise weak. They could invest free agent dollars in Byron Jones or go outside and bring in starting a defensive tackle and/or safety. Those moves would free up a premium draft pick to go after a potentially elite receiver.
It’s really about the NFL Draft
So what do you think? Pretty unexciting bunch, huh? But as the subtitle says, moving on from Amari means it’s all about the upcoming draft. The inexpensive options I listed are basically stopgaps. They will allow the Dallas Cowboys to survive while a rookie WR develops.
The 2020 NFL Draft features one of the deepest WR classes we’ve seen. Top flight options are available in the top-3 rounds and chances are a few teams are going to find their WR1 or WR2 on the last day of the draft.
Ideally, the Dallas Cowboys come to an agreement with Amari Cooper and lock him in for at least another season, but if they can’t this is a great time to be looking for WRs in the draft. Just better make sure you pick up a veteran placeholder to cover your bases.