Is anyone really surprised that Cooper is playing well for Cleveland? Cooper was always a good WR. He is one of the best route runners in the game. He can get open. That has never been the problem with Cooper.
Even so, I had no problem with Dallas trading Cooper.
The problem I always had was the way they dealt him. First Jerry and Fredo go to the media and trash talk Cooper. Then they reveal they want to deal him. Then they say if they can't work out a trade they will cut him. It is not shocking that the best they could get was a 5th round pick. And just for giggles, that 5th round pick was also waived and was picked up by the Washington Commanders. So basically all Dallas has to show for trading one of the best WR in the league is swapped 6th round picks with the Browns! If you want an example of incompetence in the front office, this is surely one good one.
As I have said since day one of the Cooper trade, there was no need for the desperation. Offering Cooper up in a trade was not a bad decision. Cooper is not the competitive player you'd like in a #1 WR. But, you gave up a first round pick to get him, at least demand a 2nd for him. If no one offers a second, then restructure his contract and keep him. I would rather have had a 2nd round pick for him but I could live with him being on the team. He makes the team better. He makes Dak better because Cooper can get open against zone defenses. Maybe he could have been traded during the season the way he came to Dallas.
I have no doubt Cooper will have a good year in Cleveland if he doesn't get hurt.
