Bobhaze
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After looking at the Amari Cooper trade, there are plenty of things to like and look forward to, and there are also plenty of things that cause some long term concern.
Here is a list of what I see as PROS and CONS of this trade:
THE PROS
1. Cooper is 24, is already a proven commodity as opposed to a young rookie that will take a year or two to adjust to playing in the NFL. When he stepped on the practice field the other day, he was instantly the best receiver we have.
2. He can have both an immediate impact as well as a long term impact if the Cowboys can re-sign him after 2019. Signing him to another contract is probably do-able with Cowboys current cap space.
3. Cooper is “Dak friendly” in the sense that he is known to be an excellent route runner. For a QB like Dak who does not have a canon for an arm, having WRs that run reliable routes is very helpful.
4. Cooper is known to be a person of good character. His reputation on and off the field is excellent. His character and work ethic will be an excellent role model for a young team.
THE CONS
1. The cost of the trade- losing a #1 pick for next year, despite the positives mentioned above about Cooper’s talent and young age, it’s still a risk. Next spring, when other teams are drafting first round talent and we aren’t, there may be some regrets.
2. His contract and potential free agency after 2019. This is the biggest con to me because, unlike a rookie drafted in 2019, there is no guarantee we will have him past next season. A 2019 rookie drafted is not a guarantee as far as performance, but there is a guarantee they will be here for 4-5 years at a cheaper price. What if after a year and a half of being a Cowboy, Cooper decides he wants to go to a team he feels gives him a better chance at a ring?
3. He has had some concussion issues and those type of injuries can have a cumulative effect. The next one can be career ending.
4. Cooper is clearly the best WR we have now, but is he a top 10 WR in this league? Maybe. He’s been good but he hasn’t exactly been lighting it up the last year or so. Are we sure he’s worth a long term commitment?
This list could be longer for both categories. I like Cooper’s talent, age and immediate potential here. But I also have big concerns about the fact he is not a guarantee after next season. And even if we re-sign him, will that contract become an albatross as so many big WR contracts later become?
One clear message was being sent by this owner: He expects this team to win now. This season. I hope that’s a message for this HC that if this team doesn’t make the playoffs, the pink slip follows. That would be a huge “PRO” IMO.
Here is a list of what I see as PROS and CONS of this trade:
THE PROS
1. Cooper is 24, is already a proven commodity as opposed to a young rookie that will take a year or two to adjust to playing in the NFL. When he stepped on the practice field the other day, he was instantly the best receiver we have.
2. He can have both an immediate impact as well as a long term impact if the Cowboys can re-sign him after 2019. Signing him to another contract is probably do-able with Cowboys current cap space.
3. Cooper is “Dak friendly” in the sense that he is known to be an excellent route runner. For a QB like Dak who does not have a canon for an arm, having WRs that run reliable routes is very helpful.
4. Cooper is known to be a person of good character. His reputation on and off the field is excellent. His character and work ethic will be an excellent role model for a young team.
THE CONS
1. The cost of the trade- losing a #1 pick for next year, despite the positives mentioned above about Cooper’s talent and young age, it’s still a risk. Next spring, when other teams are drafting first round talent and we aren’t, there may be some regrets.
2. His contract and potential free agency after 2019. This is the biggest con to me because, unlike a rookie drafted in 2019, there is no guarantee we will have him past next season. A 2019 rookie drafted is not a guarantee as far as performance, but there is a guarantee they will be here for 4-5 years at a cheaper price. What if after a year and a half of being a Cowboy, Cooper decides he wants to go to a team he feels gives him a better chance at a ring?
3. He has had some concussion issues and those type of injuries can have a cumulative effect. The next one can be career ending.
4. Cooper is clearly the best WR we have now, but is he a top 10 WR in this league? Maybe. He’s been good but he hasn’t exactly been lighting it up the last year or so. Are we sure he’s worth a long term commitment?
This list could be longer for both categories. I like Cooper’s talent, age and immediate potential here. But I also have big concerns about the fact he is not a guarantee after next season. And even if we re-sign him, will that contract become an albatross as so many big WR contracts later become?
One clear message was being sent by this owner: He expects this team to win now. This season. I hope that’s a message for this HC that if this team doesn’t make the playoffs, the pink slip follows. That would be a huge “PRO” IMO.
