As the NFL offseason heats up, one potential move that could shake up the NFC East is the possible return of a former wide receiver to the Dallas Cowboys.
A familiar face in the free agent pool could boost the Cowboys’ offense in 2025.
WR Amari Cooper, currently a free agent after a few games with the Buffalo Bills in 2024, has an established history with the Cowboys, and his return could significantly reshape the team’s offensive dynamics.
Here’s a look at how Dallas’s offense might evolve if Cooper re-joins America’s Team.
Prescott to Cooper Connection
Amari Cooper first joined the Cowboys in 2018 via a mid-season trade with the Oakland Raiders.
He quickly became quarterback Dak Prescott’s favorite target, revitalizing a struggling offense and helping Dallas secure a playoff berth.
In his four seasons with the Cowboys, Cooper amassed over 3,900 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns.
His route running, hands, and ability to create separation were instrumental in Prescott’s development and the offense’s overall success.
Should the Cowboys bring Cooper back, the chemistry between him and Prescott would be an immediate asset.
Unlike most free-agent signings, there wouldn’t be a large adjustment period or a need to build rapport. This pre-existing connection could help Dallas hit the ground running in 2025.
Creating a Position of Strength
The Cowboys’ current receiving corps is led by CeeDee Lamb, one of the NFL’s most explosive young receivers.
Behind Lamb, however, the depth chart gets thinner.
Jalen Tolbert, a 2022 draft pick, is still developing and hasn’t solidified himself as a reliable option.
KaVontae Turpin has shown improvement as a wide receiver, but is still better served returning kicks and punt, and serving as a sort of gadget player on offense.
The Cowboys traded a 4th round pick to the Carolina Panthers for WR Jonathan Mingo, but he didn’t show much in limited time on the field last season.
Given, he has not gotten to receive passes from QB Dak Prescott. Maybe an offseason in the Dak Yard could get Mingo ready for the role.
Adding Cooper to the mix would give Dallas one of the most formidable 1-2 punches at wide receiver in the league.
Defenses would be forced to choose between doubling Lamb or Cooper, potentially freeing up opportunities for the other.
This would also open space for Tolbert or Mingo to exploit matchups against third-string corners.
Bolstering the Passing Game
Prescott is coming off an injury-shortened 2024 season.
One criticism of the Cowboys’ offense has been its tendency to become one-dimensional, particularly when Lamb is taken out of the game by elite coverage.
Re-signing Cooper would provide Prescott with another reliable, savvy route runner who can win against man coverage and read defenses as well as any receiver in the league.
Cooper’s presence would likely increase the efficiency of short and intermediate routes, something the Cowboys’ offense has lacked at times.
His ability to run precise routes and find soft spots in zone coverage would also help on third downs, an area where Dallas has been inconsistent.
One Hand Washes the Other
While Cooper is primarily known for his receiving prowess, his return would also benefit the running game.
With defenses unable to stack the box or key in on Lamb, running lanes could open for whoever lines up in the backfield. Whether it’s RB Javonte Williams, one of the two draft picks (Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah), or a new addition in free agency.
Stretching the field horizontally with Cooper and Lamb on opposite sides would create more space for zone runs and outside tosses, both of which suit the Cowboys’ athletic offensive line.
Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper
Bringing Amari Cooper back to Dallas could transform a solid offense into a top-tier unit.
With Prescott, Lamb, and Cooper forming a strong core, supported by Tolbert, Turpin, and a hopefully improved running game, the Cowboys could field one of the most balanced and dynamic offenses in the league.
If Jerry Jones and the front office are serious about contending in 2025, revisiting their connection with Cooper might be the missing piece.