The first big surprise news out of the NFL Combine has arrived, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting that the Dallas Cowboy are “likely” to move on from receiver Amari Cooper this offseason.
Cooper is owed $20 million in guaranteed money by March 20th, which means a move will likely come before then, and likely before the start of the new league year on March 16th.
Cooper, 27-years old, is coming off of a season where he played 15 games, catching 68 passes for 865 yards and eight touchdowns. This report could lead to Cooper being traded, and a sign the Cowboys want offers to come in before they have to cut him.
As is the case with all players who become available, the Eagles will make a call if Cooper is released to see what it will cost to sign him. It is unlikely they trade for him unless Cooper agrees to a new deal and the draft compensation is low.
As a free agent signing, Cooper does make sense for the Eagles.
The Eagles are high on Quez Watkins as their No. 2 receiver, but while he does have upside, betting on him to take a big step forward is a major risk for the Eagles. DeVonta Smith had a strong rookie season but the team needs to add a legitimate, veteran receiver opposite him if they truly want to take a big step forward in the passing game next year.
Cooper has been one of the most productive receivers in the NFL over the last few seasons and would seem to be a perfect fit opposite Smith. Cooper has the size (6-foot-1, 210 pounds) that Smith does not, but has also shown he can make big plays down the field. Cooper also fits into the age range the Eagles are likely looking for, as he is 27, and would not be a one-year rental.
The question with Cooper will really come down to money and where he wants to play. Cooper is going to have a lot of teams interested, which is going to result in his price going up. The Eagles have $18.5 million in salary cap space, and if Cooper is open to a long-term deal, they could stretch the money out and lower the cap hit for 2022. Considering other needs on the roster, however, the Eagles might be hesitant to commit any kind of big money to a receiver.
As to whether Cooper would want to come to Philadelphia, the Eagles will likely have to overpay to sign him, considering the team was a bad passing offense last year and won with a run-first approach — something that won’t be very appealing to a free agent receiver.
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com