Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones said last week that they believe they’re going to sign newly acquired WR Amari Cooper to a long-term extension.
“In general, we believe we’re going to sign Amari to an extension,” Jones said, via the Star-Telegram. ”That goes without saying. We feel like he was worth the No. 1, and I think part of making it worth it is that we eventually sign him to an extension.”
Jones did, however, say that they plan to ease Cooper into their offense.
“I just think he’s going to bring some energy,” Jones said. “This isn’t going to be an ease into Amari Cooper situation. He’s going to get out there and play a lot and we’re going to get the ball to him.”
The Cowboys have some time to evaluate Cooper, so it’s not as though they need to be a rush to get him locked up long term. However, he’ll be in a contract year in 2019, so it would make sense to open talks next offseason if he proves to be a good fit for them.
Cooper, 24, is a former No. 4 overall pick by the Raiders out of Alabama in the 2015 NFL Draft. He is entering the final year of his four-year, $22.7 million fully guaranteed rookie contract and is set to earn a base salary of $705,000 for 2018 to go along with a $2,825,426 roster bonus.
The Raiders traded Cooper to the Cowboys a few weeks ago for a 2019 first-round pick.
Cooper’s fifth-year option was picked up this past April and will pay him $13,924,000 for the 2019 season.
In 2018, Cooper has appeared in five games for the Raiders and caught 22 passes for 280 yards receiving and one touchdown. He has also rushed for nine yards on one carry.
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