Was Amari Cooper a missed opportunity for Colts?

Amari Cooper was recently traded to the Cleveland Browns but he could have been a good fit with the Indianapolis Colts.

The Indianapolis Colts desperately need help at the wide receiver position. Until they fill that void, Indy’s name will be linked to every receiver on the move.

That’s why it was surprising when the Dallas Cowboys traded Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns and the Colts weren’t a team that seemed to be aggressively in the mix.

On Saturday, Cooper was moved to Cleveland for a fifth-round pick and a sixth-round pick swap— not much for one of the league’s best receivers.

With such a cheap asking price, the reason the Browns were able to land Cooper is that they were willing to take on all of his contract. Cooper has three years remaining at $20 million a season.

While the contract is a big commitment, an argument can be made that Indianapolis should’ve been willing to offer up a mid-round pick to acquire Cooper.

Colts would’ve benefited in an Amari Cooper trade

Based on what Cooper was ultimately traded for, Indianapolis could’ve got him for a fourth-round pick and taking on all of his contract.

Sending Dallas a fourth would’ve been a steal. There’s value in the fourth round, but it’s a gamble. Choosing a proven player over an unknown prospect is a no-brainer. Not to mention, the Colts have two third-round picks.

That means the sticking point was the money. $60 million over three years is a lot, but it’s something Indy can afford for a player like Amari Cooper.

Indianapolis is entering this offseason with nearly $70 million in cap space; the future numbers are also in good standing, so Cooper’s contract wouldn’t really have hurt Indy.

That makes it a question of rather Cooper is worth $20 million annually or not.

Is Amari Cooper worth his contract?

Cooper is currently the sixth-highest paid receiver in the NFL. Part of the reason Dallas was comfortable moving Cooper is that his production didn’t mirror his contract and the Cowboys have other productive receivers with cheaper contracts.

However, Cooper’s 2021 dip in production could have more to do with Dallas’ system as opposed to his skill. Regardless of salaries, Cooper wasn’t the No. 1 receiver in Dallas, CeeDee Lamb was.

Lamb was targeted 120 times last season, 16 passes more than Dalton Schultz and Cooper who were tied for second on the team with 104 targets.

So on a loaded offense, as the second or third option, Cooper was still able to rack up 68 catches for 865 yards and eight touchdowns.

Place Cooper on a team like the Colts and he will be the top receiver. He’s demonstrated his ability as the No. 1 guy in years past, posting numbers that earned him his big contract and got him selected to four Pro Bowls.

All things taken into account, this was a huge opportunity that Indianapolis passed up. Of all the receivers on the move this offseason, there may not be any definitively better than Cooper.

The Colts still have the chance to upgrade at receiver but they now have to compete in free agency to do it. Also, while all other options may ultimately be cheaper than Cooper, they won’t be as good.

Indy should have learned by now that sometimes it’s worth it to pay a little extra.

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