After weeks of rumors, it has finally come to be! Gruden spoke vaguely about the role of Cooper within the Raiders' organization after he had his head hit in while they played in London so most people following the NFL inferred that something like this was coming, but no one was really sure when and for whom. The Cowboys were a logical landing place for Cooper, their offense and passing game is among the worst in the league because of their lack of a deep threat. As of an hour ago, the Raiders have traded Amari Cooper for a Dallas first round pick.
So now it has finally happened, so what does this mean for both teams? Well, I'll try to explain what it means.
First: this means no Raider is safe. Two years ago when Derek Carr was an MVP candidate and Amari Cooper was one of the fastest young receivers in the NFL, the Raiders looked like they had the makings of a young core that would give defenses fits for years to come. Now with Cooper out, he is the second major franchise piece to be shipped out by Gruden this season (Khalil Mack was dealt before the season started). Gruden is clearly trying to send a message that his is in charge and that he wants this team to be filled with plays he drafts and no one from the previous Jack Del Rio regime. I have a feeling with Cooper out Derek Carr is the next logical one to go, but it will not be until after this season. Gruden knows he has time to kill in Oakland and that this team can be a train wreck for the time being as long as that leads to the team projecting positively when they move to Vegas two years from now. So if I was a young Raiders player not drafted or handpicked by Jon Gruden before this season, then I would be nervous.
In addition, I think the offer of a first round pick for Cooper was too good to pass up if I am Jon Gruden. As I mentioned above, he wants to hit the ground running in Vegas and the best way to ensure that is to have as many chances at great young players in the upcoming drafts. Raiders' GM Reggie McKenzie said that it was something he "felt like [he] had to do" (via Las Vegas Review Journal). Whether that was due to Gruden pressure or it was too good of an offer I am sure will come out soon.
Second: The Cowboys have a good offense now? That's complicated. They now have a vertical threat that will cause defensive secondaries to actually respect their passing game, but their biggest issue is still their pass protection. Cooper is another weapon that the Cowboys will have plenty of time to get integrated into the offense (they have a bye week this upcoming week) so he will be fine in terms of learning schemes and being ready to play. I am sure that this is a move that helps their passing game, but what is important to remember is that their offense still begins and ends with Ezekiel Elliot at the runningback position. They need him to set the tempo because when he runs well it gives the offensive line confidence and opens up play action for deep passes downfield which is where Amari Cooper will come in handy. As for their playoff aspirations this year, I normally think that adding one additional receiver isn't enough to change one's playoff hopes, but with as wide open as the NFC East is this year, this could be what puts them over the top!
Overall, I see why both teams made this move and I can respect it from both sides. I think the Raiders received more value in the trade because they now do not have to pay Amari Cooper and they can draft a new young receiver (or defensive player) in his place for now. The Raiders are not trying to be good now so unloading a current talent for a future one is a smart move. As for the Cowboys, it could be the spark they need to win the East!
Cover Image by Cody Glenn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
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