It was reported by Adam Schefter barely over 24 hours ago that the Dallas Cowboys were planning to part ways with star receiver Amari Cooper. Their salary cap issues combined with his hefty contract make a move an unfortunate necessity. Especially since they have several in-house free agents they want to keep. While the team will try to trade him, the expectations are he’ll end up getting cut.
This should create quite a free-for-all among wide receiver-needy teams hoping to land the 27-year old. Cooper is a three-time Pro Bowler and one of the best deep threats in the NFL. He would instantly make any passing attack better by his presence. It comes down to which team can find the necessary money and make the right pitch to lure him in. Nobody can say for sure what the receiver has in mind.
Chicago Bears fans wonder if their team might get involved.
It can’t be said for sure. New GM Ryan Poles said he wants to be selective in free agency. That means seeking out more fiscally responsible signings on the market. Pushing for a big move on Cooper would fly in the face of that. At the same time, he also said his goal is to find more playmakers for Justin Fields. So let’s say he decides to make a run. The Bears might be a hard sell in their current state. However, Brent Sobleski of Bleacher Report still considers them a top five landing spot. Not just because of Fields but also the presence of offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.
“A duo of Cooper and Mooney, along with an improved offensive front to keep Fields upright, would make the Bears a dangerous team in the NFC. Considering Luke Getsy, who served as the Green Bay Packers’ passing game coordinator the last two seasons, is Chicago’s new offensive play-caller, Cooper can enter the situation knowing the offensive scheme will be set up to highlight its top receiver after Davante Adams averaged 159 targets over the last two seasons.”
It’s is an important point. Before ascending to offensive coordinator in Chicago, Getsy spent several years working as a wide receivers coach. He speaks the language of that position and knows how to communicate with top players at it. Adams is said to be a huge fan of Getsy during their time together. The same goes for ex-Pro Bowler Jordy Nelson. If the Bears get him in the same room with Cooper, it might give them a legitimate chance to close the deal.
Amari Cooper would help but seems too unrealistic
This situation is not the same as 2018 for the Bears. That team was younger and in a state where they were ready to compete for a title. Spending in free agency was something they could afford. Such is not the case this time around. Poles inherited an old, expensive roster that is thin in way too many places. Spending $20+ million per year on a wide receiver seems like an irresponsible decision.
Primarily when good receivers can often be found for cheaper. Make no mistake. Amari Cooper would be a terrific addition to the team. He and Darnell Mooney would be the ideal tandem for Fields and his renowned deep throwing ability. The truth is too many other teams will be competing for his services—teams with way more money to spend than the Bears have right now.
That doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
Cooper’s presence on the open market could be a blessing in disguise. While other teams shift their attention to courting him, the Bears could take that opportunity to recruit one of the second-tier receiving options they might covet. It still makes their passing game better but without breaking the bank.
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