The Dallas Cowboys and former wide receiver Amari Cooper reportedly share a mutual interest in reuniting for the 2025 NFL season. This development follows the Cowboys' decision not to select a wide receiver during the recent 2025 NFL Draft, a move that drew public criticism.
The potential reunion comes as the Cowboys assess their receiving options opposite CeeDee Lamb following the departure of veteran Brandin Cooks in free agency. Quarterback Dak Prescott currently relies on less experienced players like Jalen Tolbert, Jonathan Mingo, and KaVontae Turpin as secondary targets.
Dallas' approach in the 2025 NFL Draft saw them address needs primarily on the offensive and defensive lines and in the secondary. Their draft class included guard Tyler Booker in the first round, edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku in the second, and cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. in the third.
Among their nine draft picks, the team selected only two offensive skill players, both running backs later in the draft: Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah.
ESPN NFL analyst Dan Orlovsky called the decision to bypass the wide receiver position the draft's "biggest head-scratching" move. Orlovsky noted he expected the Cowboys to select a wideout, particularly after Lamb became the primary target in 2024.
However, one NFL executive reportedly defended the Cowboys' strategy. In comments surveyed after the draft, the executive questioned the push for Dallas to add another receiver, citing Lamb's substantial contract as a factor.
Lamb recently signed a contract averaging $34 million per year. The executive reportedly stated, "I don’t know why everyone wants them to take a receiver so bad when they have one they are paying $34 million a year."
Cooper previously played for the Cowboys from 2019 to 2021 after arriving via trade. During that span, he had productive seasons, including two years with over 1,100 receiving yards, helping the team reach the playoffs twice. He was later traded to the Cleveland Browns.
The 30-year-old wide receiver has experienced a quiet free agency period since March. Recent reports indicated some NFL teams had reservations regarding his potential upside after concluding the 2024 campaign with a half-season stint with the Buffalo Bills.
The Cowboys' front office is prioritizing an extension for star pass rusher Micah Parsons, according to Jeremy Fowler. Budgeting for that deal could influence the team's capacity to add a wide receiver like Cooper.
