The Dallas Cowboys paid a huge price to acquire Amari Cooper - surrendering the team’s 2019 first-round draft pick. Many weren’t exactly overjoyed at the move (see some of the comments here). Even those of us who were okay with it recognized it could easily blow up in the team’s face and significantly set the franchise back.
And the truth is, it still might. One big game doesn’t suddenly make the trade a winner - the jury is still out on the long-term results. However, initial returns are promising. Cooper is putting up peak Dez Byrant numbers since his arrival:
#AmariCooper's first four games as a #DallasCowboy:
22 catches on 32 targets (69%)
349 Yards
3 touchdowns
Pro-rated over a full season:
88 catches
1,396 yards
12 touchdowns
Dez Bryant's best season:
88 catches
1,320 yards
16 touchdowns
Cooper's been as good as peak Dez.