Dallas Cowboys’ Pro Bowler Amari Cooper inked a five-year, $100 million extension with the organization back in March, becoming one of football’s best-paid wide receivers. However, it turns out that Cooper could have got even more money if he was willing to leave Dallas.
Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Cooper said he re-signed with Cowboys because he loves the culture and atmosphere around the franchise.
“I just like everything about being a Dallas Cowboy,” said Cooper. “I love the culture we’ve created here, and just the atmosphere both in the building and outside of the building in terms of being in the city of Dallas and the surrounding areas.”
According to Cooper, he even rejected more lucrative offers in favor of staying in Dallas.
“I guess that would be the same reasons why I was willing to take less money to stay here,” he added. “That coupled with the fact I had the privilege of playing on a different team, I understand every culture isn’t the same, every city isn’t the same, and every team isn’t the same. Me being able to see that while being on another team and having the opportunity to be on a team I really love, I wouldn’t trade that for a little bit more money.”
Several teams made a move for Amari Cooper when he hit the free agency in early March. The most persistent was Washington, who made him a “substantial offer” and reportedly were even prepared to make him the highest-paid wideout in the history of the league.
Still, it is safe to say that Cooper made a good move to stay in Dallas. Besides having the opportunity to play for a stable and better-organized franchise, he also has an experienced quarterback to throw him the ball and more capable supporting cast.
Cooper is coming off a prolific season in 2019, catching 79 receptions for career-high 1,189 yards and eight touchdowns. This earned him a Pro Bowl appearance, his career fourth and second consecutive.
