Cowboys Expected to Pursue Reunion with $100 Million Star They Released

It would be ideal, between now and, say, the end of March, if the Cowboys could arrange things such that their checklist of needs is handled from top to bottom. That would include a contract for Micah Parsons, of course, a veteran offensive lineman to help a group that turned into a weak spot last year, beefing up the defensive line and adding a pass rusher.

Another running back would be welcome, too. But among the most glaring needs is a true No. 2 wide receiver, someone who can take some pressure off star CeeDee Lamb. And the guy who might make the most sense happens to be a player who was once a Cowboy.

In fact, he was a Cowboys Pro Bowler whom the team agreed to pay a $100 million contract back in 2020: Amari Cooper.

Cowboys Gave Out Big Contract, Then Sought Trade

Within two years, though, the Cowboys wearied of that commitment and dealt Cooper away to Cleveland for a fifth-sixth round pick swap and an additional sixth rounder, a trade that was widely panned at the time as a salary dump and a head-scratcher for the Cowboys, who instead brought in Brandin Cooks and overpaid Michael Gallup.

Indeed, Cooper was very good in the two years after the trade.  He caught 78 passes for 1,160 yards and nine touchdowns in 2022, and was even better in 2023: 72 catches for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns,  playing 15 of 17 games. His numbers took a hit with the woebegone Browns last year, and he struggled to stay on the field.