The NFL offseason has delivered its fair share of surprises, but none quite as emotionally charged and strategically compelling as this one: former Pro Bowl wide receiver Amari Cooper is heading back to Dallas. Minutes ago, Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer confirmed what Cowboys Nation had hoped for weeks—Cooper has opted out of his contract with the Buffalo Bills and signed a two-year deal to reunite with his former team in Arlington, Texas.
“Feels good to be back home,” Cooper said in his official statement. “Dallas is where I’ve always felt most comfortable, and I’m ready to help this team reach the next level.”
The announcement immediately sent shockwaves through the NFL landscape. Cooper, who spent the 2024 season with the Buffalo Bills, was thought to be a key piece in their pursuit of an AFC title. However, sources close to the receiver suggest he had grown dissatisfied with his role in Buffalo’s offense and was looking for a familiar system and a quarterback he already had chemistry with—Dak Prescott.
This reunion has many layers, from emotional connections to tactical implications for both teams involved. Here, we’ll break down the reunion in full detail—and rate it from 1 to 10 based on fit, timing, need, and future outlook.
Amari Cooper: A Brief Look Back
Amari Cooper’s first stint with the Cowboys began in 2018, when he was traded from the then-Oakland Raiders. In his four seasons with Dallas, Cooper amassed 292 receptions, 3,893 yards, and 27 touchdowns, becoming one of Prescott’s most reliable targets. Known for his surgical route running and strong hands, Cooper helped transform the Cowboys’ passing game during a crucial transition period.
Dallas made the controversial decision to trade him to the Browns in 2022, citing cap issues and offensive scheme changes. Cooper found success in Cleveland and later in Buffalo, but neither stint matched the chemistry he developed with Prescott and the comfort of the Cowboys system.
What Prompted the Move?
Sources indicate Cooper had the ability to opt out of the second year of his Buffalo contract due to a built-in clause related to playoff performance incentives that weren’t met in 2024. The Bills, who were eliminated in the AFC Divisional Round, failed to satisfy that clause—opening the door for Cooper’s early exit.
While Buffalo featured a potent passing game behind Josh Allen, Cooper was often the third option behind Stefon Diggs and emerging tight end Dalton Kincaid. His target share was inconsistent, and the cold-weather environment wasn’t an ideal fit for a receiver who thrives on crisp route timing and fast field surfaces.
Dallas offered something different: a return to the No. 2 WR role behind CeeDee Lamb, familiarity with the playbook, and perhaps most importantly, a strong relationship with Dak Prescott.
Fit with the Current Cowboys Offense
The Cowboys’ 2024 season ended in disappointment—again. Despite finishing 12-5, the team was ousted in the Wild Card round and once again failed to meet expectations. Many analysts pointed to lack of receiving depth as a key issue. After Lamb, the team struggled to find consistency. Michael Gallup hasn’t returned to his pre-injury form, and Brandin Cooks, while solid, wasn’t enough of a difference-maker.
Adding Cooper back into the mix gives Schottenheimer a clear top-three receiver set: Lamb, Cooper, and Cooks. This provides a veteran-heavy corps that can execute under pressure. Cooper’s ability to line up both outside and in the slot will give Prescott flexibility, especially in 3rd down situations.
In the red zone, where Dallas often faltered last season, Cooper is an expert in short-area separation, a skill that should help increase their touchdown efficiency.
Dak Prescott’s Role in the Reunion
It’s no secret that Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper have a strong rapport. During Cooper’s time in Dallas, Prescott’s passer rating when targeting him was consistently over 100. Their timing and communication were elite, often changing plays at the line of scrimmage and improvising routes when needed.
Prescott reportedly pushed heavily for Cooper’s return, even taking a reduced bonus restructure to make cap room. With Prescott entering what could be a contract-defining season, having a reliable weapon like Cooper might be the key to elevating the Cowboys past the Divisional Round for the first time since the 1995 Super Bowl era.
Brian Schottenheimer’s Comments
Cowboys OC Brian Schottenheimer spoke to reporters minutes after the announcement and didn’t mince words.
“This is a huge win for us. Amari knows the system, knows the quarterback, and gives us a technician out there who can win against any coverage. He brings leadership, composure, and explosiveness. We’re pumped to have him back.”
Schottenheimer hinted that Cooper will have the same role he had in 2021—a versatile receiver who shifts formations and reads coverages like a quarterback. The Cowboys want to get back to pre-snap adjustments and route layering, which suits Cooper perfectly.
Impact on Cowboys WR Room
Here’s how the Cowboys wide receiver depth chart now looks:
- CeeDee Lamb – WR1, elite production, vertical threat and possession receiver.
- Amari Cooper – WR2, technician, route-runner, reliable chain-mover.
- Brandin Cooks – WR3, speed and deep-threat capability.
- Jalen Tolbert – Developing but promising.
- KaVontae Turpin – Gadget and return specialist.
This instantly becomes one of the deepest and most experienced WR corps in the NFL, rivaling teams like the Eagles, 49ers, and Dolphins.
Cap Implications
The two-year deal is reportedly worth $28 million, with $18 million guaranteed and voidable years to spread the cap hit. By cutting Gallup and restructuring other deals (including Prescott and Zack Martin), Dallas opened enough room for this move without sacrificing future flexibility.
This is a clear win-now move, with all eyes on a deep 2025 playoff push.
Buffalo Bills Fallout
For Buffalo, this is a tough loss. Cooper was expected to take on a bigger role in 2025 with uncertainty around Diggs’ future and Gabe Davis now in free agency. The Bills will need to target the WR market again, either through the draft or remaining free agents.
Josh Allen loses a polished target, and Buffalo’s offense becomes more reliant on younger, unproven receivers.
Fan Reaction
Cowboys fans have taken to social media with overwhelming support for the move. Twitter/X was flooded with reactions like:
- “They finally did something smart this offseason. Welcome back Coop!”
- “Dak + Coop = NFC Championship Game. Let’s GO!”
- “Tears in my eyes, I never stopped wearing my Cooper jersey.”
Clearly, this isn’t just a football reunion—it’s an emotional one.
Injury Concerns and Durability
One factor worth mentioning: Cooper has been remarkably durable throughout his career, playing in 16 or more games in 7 of his 9 seasons. His conditioning and off-field professionalism are elite, and the Cowboys medical staff is already familiar with his body and treatment plan.
Barring unforeseen injury, Cooper should be a 16-game contributor with WR2 production upside.
Rating the Reunion: 9 out of 10
Here’s how we break it down:
- Fit (10/10) – Familiar system, quarterback, and coaching staff.
- Need (9/10) – Dallas had to boost its receiving corps.
- Timing (8/10) – Mid-May is late, but just in time for minicamp install.
- Cap Flexibility (8/10) – Reasonable deal for a high-level veteran.
- Long-Term Value (7/10) – Two years is ideal, but decline could start at age 32.
Overall: 9/10
This move checks nearly every box for Dallas. It’s savvy, emotional, tactical, and cap-conscious. Cooper gives them a weapon they already know how to use, and he steps into a role with immediate impact. It’s a powerful message to the locker room: “We’re serious about 2025.”
Final Word
Amari Cooper’s return to the Dallas Cowboys is more than just a personnel move—it’s a statement. The front office has heard the criticism, and with Prescott entering a pivotal year, Dallas is pulling no punches. Cooper’s calm demeanor, big-game experience, and surgical precision could be the difference between another early playoff exit and a deep NFC run.