NFL training camp is almost here, and several former Dallas Cowboys are still without jobs. One of those happens to be wide receiver Amari Cooper, who remains a free agent after splitting the 2024 season with the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills.
The veteran WR has quietly put together a great career, finding ways to produce despite rarely playing with an above-average quarterback. Cooper's career is going to be one that fans will look back on and appreciate, not fully grasping the value of his past production. Perhaps this is reflected in his struggles in finding a new landing spot in free agency.
Whether it was injuries or age, there is no denying Cooper took a step back last season.
However, the counter to this is pointing out that just a season before, the veteran finished with over 1,200 receiving yards. This was in a Browns offense led by Joe Flacco, with teams understanding Cooper was the lone consistent source of offense at the position. Dallas fans can understand and appreciate this type of production and could be talked into a reunion.
If Cooper was willing to accept a lesser role, it is fun to imagine what a starting trio of Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens might accomplish together.
Former Cowboys WR Amari Cooper Remains a Free Agent
Regardless of where his landing spot might be, if Cooper wants to continue his career, there will be a team willing to take a chance. The one downside to last season's struggles is the fact that it will force the veteran to take a lesser deal if he wants to contribute to a contender. We are at the stage of the offseason where the top rosters have very little cap space to offer, or what space they have remaining is needed to retain current pieces.
Cooper is going to have to accept that last season tanked his value and forced the Cowboys receiver into a position to accept a lesser deal. This could open the door to Dallas exploring a possible reunion, giving the team the best trio of receivers in the league. While this isn't likely, it is a move that should be explored, considering the veteran's likely desperation to find his next landing spot.
Even if that isn't the case, Cooper is appreciated for what he meant to quarterback Dak Prescott and how the veteran helped the signal-caller take a step to the next level. This wasn't surprising for a receiver who has consistently elevated his signal callers throughout a solid career.
While his availability continuing this deep into the offseason is surprising, an accomplished player like Cooper likely won't be unemployed for long.