Amari Cooper proves invaluable for Cowboys since trade

Few midseason trades in the NFL have been more beneficial for a team than the Dallas Cowboys’ acquisition of Amari Cooper from the Oakland Raiders.

Cooper had another huge game for Dallas, catching 10 passes for 217 yards and 3 touchdowns, including the game-winner in overtime on a tipped ball in Sunday’s 29-23 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The game made Dallas 8-5 on the season and puts them essentially a win away from clinching the NFC East. And there’s no way they would be there without Cooper.

In six games with Dallas, Cooper has 40 catches for 642 yards and 6 touchdowns. He was a big factor in the win over New Orleans, catching all 8 of his targets for 76 yards. And then he was the difference in the Thanksgiving win over Washington with 8 catches for 180 yards and two touchdowns.

The Cowboys lost their first game with Cooper but have won five in a row since and seem destined for the playoffs. Giving up a first-rounder for 8 games of Cooper is paying off so far. And with the way he’s played, you have to figure both sides would be motivated to sign a long-term deal.