The NFL Combine has already produced some blazing speeds in the 40 yard dash, hand size discussions and plenty of much scrutinized interview moments but what we're really here for is the juicy NFL gossip.
On Friday, we got some when ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the Dallas Cowboys were "likely" to release star WR Amari Cooper before the new league year begins on March 16th.
Immediately, the question bounced around 31 other fan bases whether Cooper would be a good fit for their team. In seven seasons, Cooper has woken up each season and basically put up 1.000 yards and 7 or so TD's. He's a metronome of production who won't turn 28 until later this summer. So it begs the question for the Cardinals, who are clearly in the hunt for a DeAndre Hopkins complement - Should the Cardinals pursue Cooper?
The answer is probably.
Its entirely possible Cooper could be traded. The Cardinals benefitted from a very similar situation last year when the Las Vegas Raiders announced to the world they were cutting Center Rodney Hudson, only to sit back and wait for the highest bidder to offer draft compensation. The Cardinals swooped in before Hudson could hit the open market and got their guy. The Cowboys are likely do that with Cooper. They might cut him but they also want to make sure teams know they absolutely can trade for him before they do.
If its a trade, I think the Cardinals are out. Already down a few picks because of trades both last offseason and during the season, the Cardinals can't afford to go full blown Rams and eff them picks.
If Cooper hits the open market, he very well could have the biggest market of any free agent wide receiver, immediately leapfrogging Allen Robinson and Chris Godwin for biggest free agent dollars.
While Cooper would be a helluva lot of fun next to Hopkins because of their salary cap situation, it might mean he's their ONLY offseason big ticket addition. Meanwhile, the Cardinals have major needs along the offensive line, defensive line, pass rusher and cornerback that have yet to be addressed. That doesn't include backup quarterback and running back either. All of this with a newly extended General Manager who has proven an inability to draft quality players and limited cap space.
Meaning, going all in on Cooper would be a ton of fun but probably not the best move for the Cardinals this offseason.