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Cowboys Make Surprising Decision Regarding Amari Cooper's Future

Dallas Cowboys v Philadelphia Eagles

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The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly "likely" to release wide receiver Amari Cooper ahead of the new league year, league sources confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Cooper, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, is due $20 million in fully guaranteed money on March 20, the fifth day of the official new NFL year.

"Cowboys are “likely” to release WR Amari Copper by the start of the new league year, per league sources," Schefter tweeted. "Cooper is due $20 million in fully guaranteed money on the fifth day of the new league year, March 20."

Dallas signed Cooper to a five-year, $100 million extension in March 2020, but designed the contract in a way in which it would only be penalized a small amount should it exit the deal after two seasons.

Cooper would count $6 million against the salary cap for the Cowboys if the team does, in fact, release him.

Dallas is currently projected to be more than $21 million over the cap as several notable players enter free agency including defensive end Randy Gregory, tight end Dalton Schultz, linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and safety Jayron Kearse.

Cooper recorded 865 yards and eight touchdowns on 68 receptions during 15 appearances, which included two 100-yard games during the first seven weeks and none in his final eight games of the 2021 NFL season.

The former University of Alabama standout was also limited to just two receptions in three games and three catches in one game, while also missing two games in 2021 after testing positive for COVID-19.

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