One down, one to go for the Dallas Cowboys. After months of waiting, Dallas has finally come to terms with one of their two young rising stars. Amari Cooper is set to become the NFL's second-highest quarterback with reports that the 25-year-old has come to terms with the Cowboys on a five-year deal.
According to ESPN, Cooper agreed to a five-year deal worth $100 million. This would be the next best deal for an NFL wide receiver behind Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons. The 31-year-old wide receiver is receiving $22 million per annum.
The deal is only fitting, considering Cooper had no intention of playing elsewhere. After previously playing with the Oakland Raiders, the fourth overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft found a new home with the Cowboys. Dallas acquired his services in 2018 in a trade that involved Johnathan Abram, the 27th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft.
“I think about it almost every day. … Just the aura of being a Dallas Cowboy, you can’t beat it. I want to be a Dallas Cowboy for life," Cooper said to 105.3 The Fan.
Cooper is coming off a strong year for the Cowboys. He had a career-high 1,189 receiving yards and 79 receptions in 16 games, picking up from his impressive showing with the Raiders. With one key piece settled, the focus now shifts to quarterback Dak Prescott.
Like Cooper, the 26-year-old is reportedly set to receive a lucrative contract as well. No figures have been revealed, but the Dallas News reveals that it will be more than what Jared Goff and Carson Wentz are receiving. If true, the holdout between the Cowboys and Prescott should end soon.
The two-time Pro Bowler is looking for a long-term deal, but it appears Dallas has yet to agree with Prescott's agent Todd France. Previously, Prescott was offered a $33 million package with a guaranteed amount of $105 million. The Cowboys want a four-year deal, but Prescott is reportedly amenable only to a four-year pact. Aware that Prescott is only 26, the 135th pick of the 2016 NFL Draft could check free agency once more at the age of 30. Apparently, Dallas wants to maximize what it can from a young and talented player like Prescott.
Dallas has until July 22 to sign Prescott to a long-term deal. If nothing goes down, the Cowboys may end up using the franchise tag to make sure the prized quarterback stays under their wing - at least for the 2020 NFL season.
