The 2022 offseason is a big one for Amari Cooper. He's coming off a relatively down year in Dallas and could provide major salary cap relief if released. But ahead of this decision, Jerry Jones just gave the Cowboys receiver some high praise.
In a radio interview yesterday, Jones credited Cooper as part of the Dallas' early-season success. He described Amari as commanding plenty of attention and deserving more targets even when covered.
These comments from the owner/general manager are not insignificant. Cooper could give Dallas $16 million in cap space if released this year; huge when you consider that the Cowboys are currently about $13.5 million over the 2022 salary cap. They could use every bit of that relief, and a bit more, to retool for next season.
Jerry Jones said the early success of the Cowboys is due to some of he work of Amari Cooper. Jones also believes he should get more targets when covered and that he's a WR that commands plenty of attention. @1053thefan
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) January 21, 2022
The writing might be on the wall if Dallas still had Michael Gallup and Cedrick Wilson under contract. But with both of them about to become unrestricted free agents, the Cowboys might be left with Ceedee Lamb and not much else at receiver if they cut Amari.
If his comments are any indication, Jerry Jones is still high on Cooper as a premiere NFL receiver. Dallas could also gain cap space by restructuring Amari's deal and covering some of his $20 million base salary into a bonus, which would increase the amount of dead money in this and future seasons.
Also, given the similar cap benefits that come from a trade, Jones could be trying to talk up Cooper to the rest of the NFL. He'll turns just 28 this July and could be attractive to any WR-needy teams who an absorb that big salary.
Given the Cowboys' own WR needs, though, it's highly possible that they will keep Amari Cooper and find a way to lower his cap hit. Dallas can't afford to get weaker on offense after what we saw in the second half of the season and their one-and-done playoff appearance.
