Stephen Jones gives telling comment on Amari Cooper’s future

The Dallas Cowboys certainly appear intent on doing something with Amari Cooper’s contract, though it is not yet clear what.

Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones said Monday that it was “too early” to tell if Cooper would be with the Cowboys in 2022, and would not discuss speculation about a restructured contract. That lack of comment is somewhat jarring, as both Stephen and Jerry Jones tend to be happy to speak freely about members of the team.

Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones on whether Amari Cooper to be on roster in 2022: “It’s too early for me to address that.” Conversations ongoing, he added. Pay cut on table? “I don’t want to address any of that as far as the details of any contract.” Background: https://t.co/hJ4auiX0ZC

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) February 28, 2022

The Cowboys certainly sound ready to move on from Cooper. There is some sense to that, as he did not put up huge numbers in 2021 despite being the league’s highest-paid wide receiver. Despite a cap hit of $22 million, Cooper provided a modest 865 receiving yards and eight touchdown receptions.

Jerry Jones has been even more blunt about Cooper in previous comments. The message seems quite clear: if Cooper wants to remain with the Cowboys, it will have to be on a restructured deal.

Photo: Aug 29, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Amari Cooper workouts prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports