Amari Cooper rumors: Cowboys risk angering their greatest asset

The quickest way for the Dallas Cowboys to free up some much-needed salary cap space is to release wide receiver Amari Cooper, but they run the risk of offending quarterback Dak Prescott in doing so.

If the Dallas Cowboys cut Amari Cooper, they have to consider all the consequences that follow, especially how the move potentially lands with Dak Prescott.

Dallas is in a rough spot with regards to the 2022 NFL salary cap. America’s Team is roughly $21 million in the red entering March. Only the Green Bay Packers and the New Orleans Saints are in worse shape. While cutting Cooper would save the Cowboys anywhere between $16 and $20 million, he has been Prescott’s favorite receiving target since being traded over four years ago.

Football is a business, but parting ways with Cooper could infuriate Prescott heading into 2022.

Amari Cooper rumors: Cowboys could anger Dak Prescott with WR’s release

Even though the Cowboys have to get their cap situation figured out first, this is a team that has every reason to go out and contend for a Super Bowl next season. Anything short of an NFC Championship Game appearance should be viewed as a disappointment for this consistently underperforming franchise. The NFC might be in flux, but they are the best in the NFC East.

While the Cowboys could look at restructuring a handful of contracts, no other move provides as much cap relief as releasing Cooper would. Doing so could free up enough cap space to pursue Michael Gallup and Dalton Schultz on second contracts. Other moves will have to be made as well, but the Cowboys stand to lose both of them if they do not get their cap situation figured out fast.

Ultimately, the Cowboys need to figure out what matters more: Winning or Prescott’s feelings. He may play his best ball when he has Cooper out there as a receiver. However, the Cowboys have CeeDee Lamb about to enter his prime on year three of his rookie contract. His ascension could negate an abrupt Cooper departure. Loyalty is one virtue that the Cowboys seemly live and die by.

Financially, it makes sense to release or trade Cooper, but offending Prescott would be an issue.