Dallas Cowboys recently confirmed that they “kicked off” contract negotiations with quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver Amari Cooper, who both have one year left on their respective rookie deals. And while negotiations with Prescott seem to advance well, it seems like Dallas’ talks with Cooper are not so fruitful.
Star-Telegram’s Clarence Hill Jr. reports that contract negotiations between Cowboys and Cooper are proving to be surprisingly difficult and are “at a stalemate, stuck in neutral and going nowhere” according to sources close to the club. Hill previously stated that the 24-year-old Pro Bowler made “shockingly high” demands to kick off the talks.
Amari Cooper is currently entering the fifth year of his rookie extension that will pay him $13.9 million in 2019. While we still don’t know the number Cooper is asking from Cowboys, we know that it is definitely higher than $16 million; the amount Dallas is willing to offer. For comparison, Cleveland Browns’ Odell Beckham Jr. makes $18 million while Oakland Raiders’ Antonio Brown nets $17 million annually.
It is clear to see why Cowboys are hesitant to put Amari Cooper in Beckham’s and Brown’s company. While Cooper showed flashes of amazing talent during his four years in the league, he also struggled with consistency and is not considered one of the best WRs in the game.
Copper joined Dallas back in October from the Raiders and ended up playing nine regular season games in 2018 with the Cowboys. He ended the year with 53 receptions for 725 yards and six touchdowns while also adding 13 receptions for 171 yards and one touchdown in the playoffs.
