Wide receiver Amari Cooper had looked likely to stay with the Dallas Cowboys long-term, but that is apparently becoming increasingly doubtful.
Cooper, who is in the final year of his contract, is “increasingly likely” to depart the Cowboys after the season, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. Contract talks between the wide receiver and the team have gained “no traction,” and the odds that a deal gets done decrease by the week.
It is unlikely that the Cowboys would be able to use the franchise tag on Cooper or another key player, cornerback Byron Jones, who is in the same situation. The Cowboys’ inability to get a long-term deal done with Dak Prescott makes it increasingly likely that they will have to use the franchise tag on the quarterback instead.
With numerous receivers getting extensions, Cooper would be highly sought-after if he hits the open market, and stands to earn a hefty payday. The 25-year-old has been a star since moving from the Oakland Raiders to the Cowboys, catching 86 passes for 1,240 yards and 11 touchdowns in 15 games since the trade.
The Cowboys had a tough task before the season with Prescott and Cooper in the final year of their deals and Ezekiel Elliott demanding a new contract. Elliott got his deal and talks with Prescott stalled, but there was consistent optimism that the Cowboys would be able to get something done with Cooper. That appears less likely, and the Cowboys’ young offensive core may not be together for very long as a result.
