Amari Cooper: Returning to the Cowboys Could Be the Perfect Move for Both Sides

There’s a buzz in the air surrounding the Dallas Cowboys and one of their former star players, Amari Cooper. After a season that fell short of expectations for many reasons, Cooper finds himself on the brink of free agency, and speculation is rife about whether he’ll make his way back to Dallas. Fans, analysts, and even players alike are watching this situation closely, and it’s easy to see why: the reunion of Cooper with the Cowboys could serve as a game-changing development for the team, especially as they look to reload and retool for the future.

The Familiarity Factor

The prospect of bringing back Amari Cooper isn’t just about adding a wide receiver to the roster; it’s about reigniting a connection that was once so productive for the Cowboys’ offense. Cooper’s relationship with quarterback Dak Prescott has been well-documented and successful in the past. Together, they formed a dynamic duo that kept opposing defenses on edge. That chemistry is something that can’t be replicated easily, and it is one of the key reasons why bringing Cooper back to Dallas makes so much sense.

With Brian Schottenheimer now at the helm as the Cowboys’ new head coach, having a player with Cooper’s experience and familiarity with the system could be a huge benefit. Schottenheimer is tasked with improving an offense that struggled at times to find its rhythm in 2023. Adding a reliable veteran like Cooper to the mix could serve as a stabilizing factor, giving Schottenheimer a dependable target for Prescott while also providing leadership in the locker room.

A Veteran Presence in a Young Offense

One of the challenges for the Cowboys in recent seasons has been their ability to strike the perfect balance between developing young talent and retaining experienced veterans. The potential return of Amari Cooper would be an ideal way to maintain that balance. While CeeDee Lamb has emerged as the clear-cut No. 1 receiver for Dallas, the addition of a seasoned veteran like Cooper would give Lamb someone to learn from while also taking some of the pressure off him. Lamb has shown he can be a star, but he’s still relatively young in his NFL career, and having another reliable option like Cooper would only make him more dangerous.

Cooper, at 30 years old, may not be in the prime of his career, but he’s still a force to be reckoned with on the field. His ability to run precise routes, track difficult balls in the air, and make big plays when needed has never wavered. In fact, some believe a return to Dallas could be exactly what Cooper needs to revitalize his career. After a season that didn’t quite live up to expectations, this could be the perfect fresh start for him. He knows the Cowboys’ system, he’s comfortable in the locker room, and he’s got the skill set to continue being a top-tier receiver for at least a few more seasons.

Why the Cowboys Need Him

For the Cowboys, bringing Cooper back would be a calculated move. With the offense needing to make a more consistent impact in 2024, adding a player of Cooper’s caliber could provide the spark needed to elevate the team. Dallas has always been a team built around the strength of its offense, and having Cooper in the fold once again would only add another layer to their already potent receiving corps.

In addition to his impressive play on the field, Cooper’s presence would provide another key component for the Cowboys’ offensive strategy. Schottenheimer would be able to use him in a variety of ways: in the slot, on the outside, and even in situations where a contested catch is necessary. This kind of versatility is invaluable in the modern NFL, where defenses are constantly evolving, and players must be able to perform in multiple roles. Having Cooper, a player who has already demonstrated he can produce at a high level in big moments, would give Schottenheimer the flexibility he needs to be creative with his play-calling.

Pairing Cooper with Lamb could be one of the most dangerous receiver duos in the NFL, and the impact it could have on the Cowboys’ offense cannot be overstated. With Lamb being a rising star, his development could be expedited by working alongside a veteran like Cooper, who can provide invaluable insights both on and off the field. This would allow the Cowboys to exploit mismatches in the defense, opening up opportunities for other players as well, including the run game. The more weapons Prescott has at his disposal, the more difficult it becomes for defenses to focus on stopping just one player.

What Cooper Brings to the Table

Amari Cooper has long been known for his ability to make plays when it matters most. From his days with the Oakland Raiders to his time with the Cowboys and the Cleveland Browns, Cooper has been a steady producer, racking up yards and touchdowns consistently throughout his career. In Dallas, he showed he could be a difference-maker, creating separation with ease and keeping opposing cornerbacks on their toes.

It’s worth noting that Cooper’s value isn’t just in his statistical production; it’s also in his leadership and football IQ. As a veteran, he can serve as a mentor for the younger receivers, helping to instill the kind of discipline and work ethic that the Cowboys’ receiving corps needs to continue progressing. The importance of this leadership cannot be understated, especially in a locker room that already contains promising players like Lamb and Michael Gallup. Cooper can offer them advice on how to handle difficult situations, maintain focus, and keep developing their skills.

Furthermore, Cooper’s experience in high-pressure games, including the playoffs, means he won’t be intimidated by big moments. The Cowboys, who are in the midst of a championship window, need players who can step up when the stakes are high. Having Cooper back in the fold could help provide that extra boost in crucial moments throughout the season, particularly in high-stress playoff games where experience matters most.

The Financial Considerations

Of course, the financial aspect of bringing Cooper back would need to be carefully considered. After all, free agency is a business, and the Cowboys would have to weigh whether re-signing Cooper is worth the investment. Cooper’s cap hit would likely be significant, but it could be argued that the return on that investment would be well worth it. Dallas has a lot of cap space to work with, and given Cooper’s familiarity with the team and his proven success in the past, his return could be the spark the offense needs.

The key for the Cowboys will be striking the right balance between securing a reliable veteran presence in Cooper while also leaving room to make other moves to improve the roster. If Cooper is willing to sign on for a reasonable deal, it would be a great opportunity for both sides to capitalize on what they already know works — the partnership between Cooper and Prescott.

The Final Verdict

At the end of the day, Amari Cooper’s return to the Dallas Cowboys makes a lot of sense for both parties. For the Cowboys, it’s an opportunity to solidify their receiving corps with a proven playmaker who can help elevate the offense to new heights. For Cooper, it’s a chance to reinvigorate his career and get back to the level of play that made him one of the NFL’s top receivers in his prime.

The story of Amari Cooper’s potential return is one that Cowboys fans will be watching closely as the offseason unfolds. A reunion with the Cowboys would give both Cooper and the team a fresh start, one that could prove to be a defining moment for both the player and the franchise. Whether it happens or not, one thing is for sure: the Cowboys are in need of a shakeup, and Amari Cooper just might be the right player to help them get back on track.