Amari Cooper Rumors: Cowboys Fielding Trade Calls from Teams Interested in Star WR

The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly "fielding some calls" about potential trades for wide receiver Amari Cooper.

Jane Slater of NFL Network reported Wednesday interested teams are aiming to acquire Cooper and restructure his five-year, $100 million contract before his $20 million salary for 2022 becomes fully guaranteed March 20, the fifth day of the new league year.

The update comes after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Friday the Cowboys were "likely" to release the four-time Pro Bowl wideout to save $16 million against the salary cap.

Cooper's numbers dipped a bit in 2021 as he hauled in 68 catches for 865 yards one year after posting a career-high 92 receptions for 1,114 yards. That can be attributed more to the emergence of fellow receiver CeeDee Lamb and tight end Dalton Schultz, who combined for 224 targets, than a drop-off in ability.

The 27-year-old University of Alabama product would assuredly stay in Dallas if not for the financial flexibility his departure, either via trade or release, would bring for a team that Spotrac projects at $9 million over the salary cap.

On the flip side, that's an opportunity for a receiver-needy team to get a major weapon for its passing game at a reduced price.

Cooper has been a consistent force since the then-Oakland Raiders selected him with the fourth pick in the 2015 draft. He's tallied 517 catches for 7,076 yards and 46 touchdowns in 108 career games, including an average of 6.75 scores per year in three-and-a-half seasons with the Cowboys.

Trading for him would also give the acquiring team the benefit of avoiding what could become a bidding war if he hits the free-agent market.

Boardroom's Jordan Schultz reported Monday the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots would have "great interest" in Cooper if he enters free agency.

A trade also shouldn't come at a significant price, perhaps a couple of middle-round draft picks, considering the Cowboys' plan to release him before his salary becomes guaranteed has been leaked.

The fact that Dallas' front office is taking calls doesn't come as a surprise, and there's a good chance a deal is found before March 20.