Should the Cowboys Reunite with Amari Cooper in 2025?

A Missed Opportunity in Dallas
Amari Cooper was supposed to be a long-term fixture for the Dallas Cowboys. After the front office traded a first-round draft pick to acquire him and later signed him to a $100 million contract in 2020, he was expected to be the team’s No. 1 wide receiver for years to come.

However, the dynamic changed when the Cowboys unexpectedly landed CeeDee Lamb in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. With Michael Gallup already on the roster, Dallas made a critical mistake in 2022—extending Gallup on a five-year deal and trading Cooper away for just a fifth-round pick.

From that point forward, the decision proved costly. Injuries derailed Gallup’s production, while Cooper continued to deliver solid performances despite being in less-than-ideal situations, first with the Cleveland Browns and later with the Buffalo Bills.

Why a Reunion in 2025 Makes Sense
As the 2025 offseason approaches, the Cowboys have a golden opportunity to correct their mistake. Amari Cooper is set to become a free agent in March, and the fit in Dallas makes almost too much sense to ignore.

While Cooper showed flashes of brilliance in Buffalo last season, he never became a primary target for Josh Allen. Now, at 31 years old, he is no longer commanding a top-of-the-market contract but remains one of the best route runners in the game.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys find themselves in desperate need of a reliable No. 2 wide receiver. Brandin Cooks is likely to move on, and Jalen Tolbert has yet to prove he can handle a bigger role. Bringing Cooper back would give Dallas an experienced weapon who already has proven chemistry with Dak Prescott.

The Financial Side of the Deal
One of the biggest obstacles to a reunion could be Cooper’s price tag. Pro Football Focus projects his next contract to be worth around $17.5 million per year. However, given his age and a down year in 2024 where drops became an issue, it wouldn’t be surprising if he signed for less.

A two-year deal with one year fully guaranteed seems like a realistic scenario. This structure would minimize the risk for Dallas while still giving Cooper an opportunity to contribute to a Super Bowl-contending team.

Would the Cowboys Make the Move?
Historically, the Cowboys have been reluctant to spend big in free agency, which makes a pursuit of top-tier wide receivers like Tee Higgins unlikely. However, Cooper fits the type of free-agent signing they typically go after—a veteran with high upside who comes at a reasonable price.

If the Cowboys want to maximize their window with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, bringing Amari Cooper back would be a logical move. The question is whether the front office is willing to admit its past mistake and make it happen.