Cowboys running out of time to keep Amari Cooper off market

Amari Cooper is very, very close to hitting NFL free agency as the top target of many teams.

Cooper, 25, is the top receiver set to become an unrestricted free agent on Wednesday. For now, the NFL’s new year begins on March 18 at 4 p.m. ET. The caveat being that it may be pushed back as a result of the spread of the coronavirus. The tampering period, also known as the unofficial start to free agency, commences Monday afternoon. The franchise tag deadline at 11:59 a.m. ET.

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Cooper’s current team, the Dallas Cowboys, has been trying furiously to get ideal done with either he or quarterback Dak Prescott. The reason being if one can be signed long-term, the other can be given the franchise tag. This would solve most of owner/general manager Jerry Jones’ problems, and spare him the bidding war that would ensue for Cooper.

To be clear, Prescott isn’t going anywhere. He’s one of the top 10 quarterbacks in the game, coming off a rookie deal. He’s either getting signed this weekend or be given the non-exclusive franchise tag.

This is about Amari Cooper, and his fate being tied to Prescott’s.

If the Cowboys have to slap the tag on Prescott, Cooper will hit free agency. The only way that doesn’t happen is if the NFLPA votes down the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement proposed by the owners, which would mean the ability to use two tags. The vote comes this weekend and it’s expected to pass by most.

Read: Broncos Have Chance To Add Key Pieces In Free Agency

In that case, the Cowboys are in a tough spot. After giving up a first-round pick for Cooper midway through the 2018 season, losing him to free agency would be a disaster. However, if Cooper gets to market, he’s going to reset the market at wide receiver, likely bringing in a contract in excess of $100 million. Dallas might end up bringing him back, but it would be after a bidding war drives up the price.

The pressure is on this weekend for Dallas. Sign Prescott — which likely means giving into his every wish — and the Cowboys can save money and considerable face by tagging Cooper and dealing with him this spring. No long-term deal and it’s a race to see how quickly Dallas can lock up its star receiver as the price rockets skyward.

Less than two days to the beginning of the tampering period. Jerry Jones is going to be a busy man.