The Dallas Cowboys are more than likely going to release star wide receiver Amari Cooper, according to Adam Schefter for ESPN . Cooper is expected to make $2o million in fully guaranteed money, on March 20. The Cowboys designed his contract in a way where they wouldn’t take so much of cap hit after two seasons. If they cut or release Cooper, he would count for $6 million against the salary cap, instead of $22 million.
The Cowboys are “likely” to release Amari Cooper, per @AdamSchefter pic.twitter.com/jQlYMUFI0D
— PFF (@PFF) March 4, 2022
The Dallas Cowboys are projected to be more than $21 million over the cap, per ESPN. However, it seems every dollar counts as the Cowboys a couple of years back went full throttle in free agency. The Cowboys picked up some substantial guys who are also due for contract extensions. Some of these players who are key contributors are defensive end Randy Gregory, tight end Dalton Schultz, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch, and safety Jayron Kearse.
It is highly probable that the Dallas Cowboys will cut Cooper. However, this will lead to a huge drop-off in production from that receiver corp. Not to mention, the threat he presents on the outside to opposing teams. Without Cooper, The Cowboys will have to account for his production elsewhere or rely on quarterback Dak Prescott to carry the burden. Considering that Michael Gallup is coming off a torn ACL late last season, his production is to be questioned.
Cooper finished with 865 yards, 68 receptions, and 8 touchdowns in 15 games. He only had two 100-yard games in his first seven weeks, reported ESPN. However, this is concerning he had no yards in his last eight games of the season. The two games he missed were due to COVID-19.
