I think it’s safe to say that the Dallas Cowboys wish they hadn’t traded Amari Cooper last off-season.
However, Cowboys vice president Stephen Jones made it clear that the team did not second-guess their decision to trade him away last offseason.
According to ESPN Cowboys insider Todd Archer, the Cowboys vice president admitted that the front office did not do enough to replace the dynamic WR after they traded him to Cleveland. They relied heavily on Michael Gallup to play like an elite receiver after suffering an ACL injury the year before.
“I think Gallup, we probably should’ve been a little more conservative. You know, most guys come off an ACL, especially skill guys, maybe takes a little time. I think Gallup’s going to be back (in form in 2023). But getting a little confidence in our drafting, thinking (Jalen) Tolbert could step right in and do some things. I think it just sometimes take a little longer with the receivers,” Jones said.
Gallup finished the season with 39 receptions for 424 yards and four touchdowns in 14 games.
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On the flip side, Cooper had 78 receptions for 1,160 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns while starting every game for the Browns. That is the type of production that would’ve been key for the team that already has CeeDee Lamb.
It should be noted that the team was in cap hell last offseason, so they were left with little choice. Their desperation in replacing him almost led them to sign Odell Beckham Jr. during the 2022 regular season, but despite a bunch of courting, nothing ever materialised.
The team found themselves being eliminated in the playoffs by the San Francisco 49ers for the second-straight season.
