Jerry Jones on Amari Cooper: 'We made a decision that that allocation should be better spent'

Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones offered a preview of an offseason move when he publicly criticized wide receiver Amari Cooper following the January playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Cooper was due $20 million in salary on March 20 and, thus, was shipped to the Cleveland Browns for a fifth-round draft pick and a swap of late-round selections. 

Per Kevin Patra of the NFL's website, Jones explained his mindset about that transaction while speaking with reporters at the league's annual meetings on Monday. 

"We made a decision that that allocation should be better spent," Jones said. He added that "we made every effort to do as well as we can do with the trade," an indication that other would-be buyers weren't interested in accepting the salary attached to the four-time Pro Bowl target. 

Cooper, 27, recorded 68 receptions for 865 yards and eight touchdowns during his final season with the Cowboys and now joins a new-look Cleveland offense that will have either Deshaun Watson or journeyman Jacoby Brissett starting at quarterback in Week 1. It remains unknown if Watson will be made ineligible to play for any portion of the 2022 season as he faces 22 civil lawsuits regarding accusations of sexual assault and misconduct.