NFL Rumors: Free Agent Amari Cooper Being Linked To Former Team

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper runs with the ball during 2025 game.

The Dallas Cowboys' search for wide receiver help has led them right back to a familiar name: Amari Cooper.

After a quiet free agency and a receiver-free draft, the Cowboys are once again being linked to the five-time Pro Bowler as a possible solution to their lingering depth issue behind CeeDee Lamb. Despite past tension, the door appears open—at least slightly—for a reunion.

Cooper’s Familiarity Could Be the Fix

Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Dak Prescott both know what Amari Cooper brings to the table. From 2018 to 2021, Cooper posted nearly 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns in a Cowboys uniform, developing undeniable chemistry with Prescott.

Though his 2024 season split between Cleveland and Buffalo was underwhelming—just 44 catches for 547 yards—he still represents a better option than Jalen Tolbert, Ryan Flournoy, or Jonathan Mingo, all of whom are currently slotted in behind Lamb.

Somehow Amari Cooper is still only 30 years old.

If the “parties” that went off him & drove the trade to CLE are no longer at the Star, makes sense to bring him back.

Even at 80% of his prime it’d be a pick-free WR2 upgrade for the Cowboys 18 months removed from his career year pic.twitter.com/CB2Mo5DXWW
— Laurie Horesh (@LaurieHoresh) April 29, 2025

NFL Network's Kevin Patra noted Dallas “still has a clear need at receiver,” and listed Cooper as the most logical free-agent fit now that the draft is behind them. Even with a less explosive version of Cooper, his experience and route-running savvy could help stabilize the offense—especially as Dak Prescott heads into a make-or-break season.

Cowboys Weigh Fit vs. Familiar Frustrations

Not everyone in Dallas is eager to rekindle things with Cooper. One team source reportedly described him as “not special,” reflecting lingering dissatisfaction from his final days in Dallas, when the front office soured on his effort and practice habits.

Cooper was benched during last season’s playoff stretch in Buffalo, casting further doubt on whether he’s still a reliable contributor. But with few viable alternatives and training camp approaching, Dallas may be too desperate to care.

Washed Amari Cooper is better than anyone not named CeeDee Lamb in the WR room so pic.twitter.com/tGqHmgCroY
— MartinTalkCowboys (@DAK_4_MVP) April 28, 2025