The Patriots may be looking towards free agency to upgrade at receiver. ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick says New England is the best fit for veteran wideout Amari Cooper, whom the Cowboys are expected to release by the start of the new league year March 16.
The four-time Pro Bowler would count $6 million against Dallas’ cap if he’s released, compared to $22 million if he stays on the roster. The Cowboys are desperately in need of financial wiggle room: they’re projected to be more than $21 million over the cap.
“I think this has New England Patriots written all over it because they really need someone who has No. 1-wide receiver capability in the form of Amari Cooper,” said Riddick on “SportsCenter,” via Boston.com.
The Cowboys’ cap conundrum is the biggest reason they would release Cooper before he enters the third year of his five-year, $100 million deal. While Cooper recorded 65 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns last season, he failed to amass at least 60 receiving yards in nine of 16 games.
Riddick believes the Patriots would be able to tap into the 28-year-old Cooper and make him more consistent.
“New England usually pulls it out of people in a way that many other people aren’t able to,” he said. “Look, for Mac Jones, this would be the perfect kind of weapon he needs on the outside to go along with a very strong running game and one of the best receiving tight ends in Hunter Henry.”
Though the Patriots finished sixth in points scored last season, their passing game lacked some explosion. Last week, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell projected the Patriots could acquire disaffected Falcons wideout Calvin Ridley.