The 2019 season is all but over, which means it’s time to turn the page to 2020. Free agency is one of the most important parts of the team-building process, as organizations around the league try to swoop up the best of the best. There are several big-name wide receivers scheduled to hit the market, but arguably none bigger than Amari Cooper. Scheduled to hit the open market for the first time in his career, Cooper should break the bank and have plenty of suitors.
2020 NFL Free Agency: Amari Cooper Team Fits
Dallas Cowboys
At the end of the day, Amari Cooper will probably return to Dallas on a big-money deal. Cooper has been arguably the most important non-quarterback on the Cowboys ever since he arrived. During his 47 career games with the Cowboys, Cooper has recorded 132 receptions for 1,914 yards and 14 touchdowns. He’s one of the best route runners in the league and has a tested and reliable chemistry with Dak Prescott.
That’s not to say that there hasn’t been drama between Cooper and the Cowboys. Back in Week 17, Cooper remained on the sideline for what could have been the game-tying drive against the Philadelphia Eagles. Had the Cowboys won this game, they would have won the NFC East and earned a home playoff game. However, the coaching staff felt that Tavon Austin gave the team a better chance to win. All that said, the Cowboys are reportedly planning on moving on from Byron Jones, which implies they’re getting ready to hand out a big contract to Cooper and/or Prescott.
Philadelphia Eagles
It’s hard to think of a team that needs more help at wide receiver than the Philadelphia Eagles. DeSean Jackson is still a good player when healthy, but Alshon Jeffery took a major step back in 2019. Nelson Agholor is a free agent and probably won’t return while rookie J.J. Arcega-Whiteside looked terrible when on the field. Carson Wentz proved in 2017 that he can play at an MVP level, but he can’t do it all on his own. The Eagles don’t have much cap space, but Howie Roseman is better than anyone at manipulating salary. If he wants Cooper, he’ll find a way to get his contract on the books.
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers needs more help than he used to. The two-time MVP is still a top-10 quarterback but he’s capable of carrying an entire team like back in his heyday. Davante Adams is a stud, but the Packers don’t have any other good receivers of note. Geronimo Allison and Marquez Valdes-Scantling both had bad seasons, and Allen Lazard didn’t do enough to earn a starting spot in 2020. The Packers historically don’t spend in free agency, but that philosophy appears to be changing with Brian Gutekunst calling the shot. Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith were two of 2019’s best free agent signings. With Aaron Rodgers near the end of the road, the Packers will probably go all-in once again for a Super Bowl.
New England Patriots
Just like Rodgers, Tom Brady isn’t quite the same player he once was. When factoring in tight ends, New England might have had the worst all-around collection of pass-catchers in the league last year. The Patriots desperately need someone capable of winning on the outside, as their top five receivers are all at their best in the slot. Cooper’s ability to gain separation and win all over the field is exactly what New England needs to pull off one last Super Bowl run.
Honorable Mention: Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts
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