Do Cowboys' Postseason Chances Improve with Amari Cooper trade?

October 28, 2018 by Staff

Last Monday, the Dallas Cowboys made headlines in the National Football League by acquiring wide receiver Amari Cooper from the Oakland Raiders.

The Cowboys paid a hefty price tag for Cooper's services, as they sent their 2019 first round draft pick, but everyone in Arlington is hoping the addition fo a true number one receiver will improve their chances to compete for the remainder of the season and take a lead in the NFC East division, which is currently being led by the Washington Redskins, who bested the Cowboys in week seven.

According to the latest bet365 NFL odds, the Cowboys' chances haven't seen much of a change with the addition of Cooper, which could have something to do with the fact that he's being moved midseason and will take time to adjust to his new team and surroundings.

Cooper has had an up and down career since being drafted by the Raiders in the first round out of Alabama. He's been to two pro bowls, but he seems to have been struggling as of late. Some of the blame for that has been put on the struggles of quarterback Derek Carr.

What is clear is that the Cowboys needed a wide receiver ever since they parted ways with Dez Bryant. Along with that, they were unable to land a marquee wide receiver in free agency, missing out on Sammy Watkins and instead signing Allen Hurns, who hasn't had a great start to the season.

Regardless of the price tag though, the one thing the Cowboys like about Cooper is that he is still just 24 and has tons of upside left.

The Washington Post has opined that the move proves America's Team is in win-now mode. The Cowboys obviously still have several holes to fill in order to become a contender in the NFC, especially the gaping void on the offensive line.

One thing Cooper should receive that he didn't receive much of in the last season and a half in Oakland is targets. Cooper is known as being a high-volume receiver, and last season his targets dropped by 36, and he has only seen 31 targets through six games this season. Cooper's completed catch numbers have been less than ideal the last few seasons, but even with fewer touches last season, he saw an increase in touchdowns.

Cooper is coming off a bye week with Oakland and now enters another bye week with Dallas, so the trade comes at a good time in the season so he has time before he suits up for the Cowboys against the Tennessee Titans on November 5.