NFL
By: Ryan Cooley
Adam Schefter reported the Cowboys are likely parting ways with wide receiver Amari Cooper. This came as a shock to many as Dallas just signed Cooper to a 5-year/$100,000 extension in 2020. With three years left on his contract, the Cowboys seem ready to move on.
Here is why the Commanders should/shouldn’t sign Amari Cooper.
Why Washington Should Sign Cooper
Washington offered Cooper a massive contract in free agency during the 2020 offseason. The offer would’ve paid him around $22 million annually. He chose to stay in Dallas for $20 million per year. It is clear Rivera loves Cooper’s skill set since he was set to make him the highest-paid wide receiver in history by a wide margin.
Cooper is undoubtedly a #1 receiver. He managed to have over 1,100 receiving yards from 2018 to 2020. 2021 was his first season where he failed to surpass over 1,000 yards (929) in four years. His drop in production was affected by the emergence of Ceedee Lamb, who managed 1,102 yards in 2021.
Washington has struggled mightily to find a reliable #2 receiver. Many thought Samuel could take that role this past season. However, he was only on the field for 84 snaps all season due to injury. We have no idea if Samuel can be trusted to stay healthy or if he can fill the role of a #2. There is no doubt Cooper would fill this role. If Washington drafts a rookie quarterback, it would be wise to load up on talent on the offensive end. Having two #1 receivers and a top 10 offensive line would be a rookie quarterback’s dream.
Why Washington Shouldn’t Sign Cooper
Curtis Samuel was given a 3-year/$34.5 million contract last offseason. His first season with the burgundy and gold was nothing short of a disappointment. However, if he can stay healthy, I still feel confident Samuel will be a legitimate weapon for the offense.
Terry McLaurin will likely be receiving a new contract this offseason. The new deal will probably pay him around $18-19 million annually. Samuel’s cap hit will be almost $13 million in 2022. Over $30 million going to two wide receivers doesn’t allow much room to sign another to a sizeable deal.
In my free agency needs/fits article, I mentioned that Washington should target depth receivers who could compliment McLaurin and Samuel. Receivers like Russell Gage or Marquez Valdes-Scantling would fit well within the offense and wouldn’t cost a ton of money.
Conclusion
Cooper might not warrant $20 million per year, but will still be an expensive addition to an offense. The Commanders should put their attention elsewhere, such as offensive line depth, linebacker, and secondary. While Cooper is a great wide receiver, he has also been known to go missing during big games.
Signing him wouldn’t be a bad move by any means, but free agency is for needs and Washington doesn’t “need” another #1 receiver. The 2022 wide receiver draft class is strong and there are plenty of solid receivers in free agency that won’t warrant a truckload of money. It doesn’t seem wise to put so much cap space into one position, especially when they don’t have a capable quarterback. [pickup_prop id=”21339″]
