Amari 'Gaining Traction' Problem Revealed As Cowboys Ex Waits

The Amari Cooper trade of 2019 didn't work out the way the Dallas Cowboys envisioned. Close, but no cigar.

The 2024 midseason Amari trade? That didn't work out the way the Buffalo Bills has envisioned it, either, with the 5-time Pro Bowler never really taking off in Joe Brady's offense.

Granted, Cooper came in midseason and then had an injury, which isn't ideal when you are coming to a new team, as Amari was playing catch-up the entire time.

Now a free agent, and with the Cowboys having a need at wideout, there is Cowboys Nation fan buzz, but nothing more.

Meanwhile, with the Bills already signing Joshua Palmer, many have firmly shut the door on Cooper's return to Buffalo.

But what if they're wrong?

USA Today writer Tom Viera has Cooper listed as the fourth-best free agent available.

"Amari Cooper is a player many would have at the top of the list, but the receiver will be 31 in June and his role in Joe Brady's offense never gained traction," Viera writes. "Buffalo traded for Cooper mid-season but the veteran wideout didn't have much impact. He suffered a wrist injury that likely slowed him down, as he missed two games. He offers a veteran presence and consistency for a team searching for a proven player to add to their receiving room."

So if it never gained traction, is there merit to running it back? Granted, it would need to be on a team-friendly deal given the Bills' salary cap situation.

Plus, Buffalo has to think about the production that Amari gave them last year, and while Viera calls it consistent, it was anything but. Cooper totaled just 297 yards and two touchdowns from 20 receptions in eight regular season games and had six games for 41 yards in three playoff outings.

Plus, Buffalo has to think about the production that Amari gave them last year, and while Viera calls it consistent, it was anything but. Cooper totaled just 297 yards and two touchdowns from 20 receptions in eight regular season games and had six catches for 41 yards in three playoff outings.

When we add in that in six of those games, he had 12 or fewer yards, which doesn't scream consistency, but as we mentioned above, factors contributed to that.

Is there a way in which Cooper can return to Dallas? We don't see it.

Is there a way he can go back to Buffalo? It doesn't feel very likely right now, but the NFL is a never-say-never league.