In a dramatic twist during the NFL’s busy trade season, the Dallas Cowboys opted not to pursue a familiar face: Amari Cooper. The former star receiver, who previously shone for the Cowboys, was traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday. This move stirred up conversation, especially amid the Cowboys’ struggles this season.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been in the spotlight recently, especially following the team’s lackluster performance during their bye week. During a heated exchange on local radio, Jones reacted defensively to criticism about the team’s offseason decisions, even threatening to dismiss the hosts. This display set the tone for a day filled with more surprising news.
Cooper, now a Buffalo Bill, was acquired in exchange for a third-round pick and a 2026 seventh-round selection, along with a sixth-round pick from the Browns. Although Cooper is three years older and arguably past his prime, this trade proves to be more favorable than the one the Cowboys made in 2021, when they received only a fifth-round pick and a sixth-round swap for him.
The Cowboys find themselves in desperate need of a reliable receiver alongside CeeDee Lamb. Many fans had speculated about Cooper’s potential return before the trade deadline, especially with former star receiver Dez Bryant voicing his frustrations about the Cowboys’ offensive struggles this season. Bryant expressed a strong desire to see Cooper back with the team on social media.
However, insider Ed Werder dashed those hopes, stating clearly that a reunion was never a consideration. “That was never a possibility. Neither side wanted that reunion,” he reported, putting to rest any lingering speculation. This response may not shock many within the Cowboys’ community, as the franchise often avoids revisiting past decisions.
Cooper’s hefty $20 million salary was a primary factor in his departure to Cleveland. The Browns wisely restructured his contract, reducing his cap hit for the remainder of the season to just $1.21 million. Despite his newfound affordability, Werder’s insights indicate that the relationship between Cooper and the Cowboys is fractured, suggesting that the split was more than just financial.
During his 56 games with the Cowboys, Cooper amassed nearly 4,000 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns. His swift exit from the team, managed by Jerry and Stephen Jones, left many feeling disappointed.
As Cooper thrives in Buffalo, Cowboys fans are left to reflect on what could have been, while also hoping for a brighter future under the current leadership. The decision to pass on him could come back to haunt the Cowboys as the season progresses.
