In 2025, the Cowboys decide to bring back Dak Prescott’s best companion.
In 2025, the Dallas Cowboys made a move that sent ripples through the NFL community, rekindling a sense of nostalgia and excitement among their fanbase. After years of speculation and whispers, the Cowboys made the bold decision to bring back Dak Prescott’s best companion—their dynamic star wide receiver, Amari Cooper. This reunion not only bolstered Dallas’s offense but also symbolized a turning point in the team’s philosophy and aspirations as they looked to return to their Super Bowl-contending ways.
The Legacy of Dak and Amari: A Partnership That Worked
Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper first joined forces in 2018, when the Cowboys traded a first-round pick to the Oakland Raiders for Cooper. The move was met with mixed reactions at the time. On one hand, the Cowboys were acquiring a talented, proven wide receiver who had the ability to stretch the field and provide Dak with a true No. 1 target. On the other hand, they were giving up valuable draft capital for a player who had been inconsistent at times with the Raiders.
But what followed was nothing short of a revelation. Cooper quickly proved to be the ideal complement to Prescott, with the two forming an electric connection that elevated the Cowboys’ offense to new heights. In the years that followed, Prescott and Cooper became one of the most formidable quarterback-wide receiver duos in the NFL. Cooper’s route running, ability to make spectacular catches, and knack for creating separation made him a reliable target for Prescott, while Dak’s poise, vision, and accuracy allowed Cooper to flourish.
Between 2018 and 2021, the duo was instrumental in keeping the Cowboys in playoff contention year after year. In 2019, for example, Cooper finished with over 1,100 yards and 8 touchdowns, while Prescott had one of the best statistical seasons of his career, throwing for over 4,900 yards and 30 touchdowns. Cooper’s presence on the field allowed the Cowboys to be more unpredictable and dynamic, taking the pressure off their running game and creating more opportunities for other players to contribute.
However, in 2022, after Cooper’s contract with the Cowboys expired, the two parted ways. Cooper was traded to the Cleveland Browns in a move that was initially met with some surprise. Despite his success in Dallas, Cooper’s departure was seen as a cost-cutting measure by the Cowboys, who had to make difficult decisions to manage their salary cap. While Cooper continued to play well in Cleveland, the Cowboys’ offense struggled to find a true replacement for him. Despite the presence of talented wideouts like CeeDee Lamb, the team never fully replaced the chemistry between Prescott and Cooper.
Why Bring Back Amari Cooper?
Fast forward to 2025, and the Dallas Cowboys found themselves at a crossroads. Despite their continued presence as a playoff contender, the team’s offensive rhythm had been inconsistent. The Cowboys had invested heavily in their defense, and while it had paid dividends, their offense—particularly in the passing game—lacked the spark it once had with Cooper. CeeDee Lamb had emerged as a star in his own right, but the team’s wide receiver corps lacked the depth and versatility to truly challenge opposing defenses.
Meanwhile, Dak Prescott’s development had plateaued. While still a capable quarterback, Dak struggled to maintain his MVP-caliber form from his earlier seasons. The Cowboys front office, led by owner Jerry Jones and general manager Stephen Jones, realized that the missing ingredient was not just a wide receiver, but specifically the one who had been Dak’s most trusted companion. The decision to bring back Amari Cooper was not just about adding talent to the roster; it was about reigniting the chemistry between Prescott and a player who had been pivotal to his success.
Amari Cooper, at 30 years old, was still playing at a high level. After a successful stint in Cleveland, he was once again available on the market as a free agent. Given the relative cost-effectiveness of bringing him back, the Cowboys seized the opportunity, signing him to a two-year deal that reunited him with Dak Prescott. The move was seen not only as a return to familiarity but also as a bold statement of intent—Dallas was ready to go all-in for a Super Bowl in 2025.
A New Era for the Cowboys’ Offense
The re-signing of Cooper signaled a shift in the Cowboys’ offensive philosophy. While the team had leaned heavily on their defense and running game in recent seasons, the front office recognized that they needed a more explosive passing attack if they were to truly contend for a championship in 2025. Prescott’s play had shown flashes of brilliance but lacked the consistency necessary to lead the Cowboys deep into the playoffs. The presence of Cooper on the field immediately provided the Cowboys with a legitimate deep threat and a reliable possession receiver.
Cooper’s ability to run sharp, crisp routes and his uncanny ability to get open in the middle of the field gave Dak Prescott the freedom to operate with more confidence. Prescott no longer had to rely on improvising or forcing throws to players who were less skilled or not as familiar with his tendencies. With Cooper’s return, Dak had a security blanket once again—someone he could trust to win one-on-one battles, create separation, and come up with the big play when needed.
Additionally, Cooper’s return helped to open up the field for other key playmakers, such as CeeDee Lamb and Tony Pollard. With Cooper drawing attention from defenses, Lamb was able to thrive as a complementary piece, often taking advantage of the extra coverage Cooper attracted. The Cowboys also found more balance in their offensive playcalling, with defensive coordinators forced to adjust to the dual-threat wide receiver duo. This allowed offensive coordinator Kellen Moore to diversify his playbook, creating more dynamic and unpredictable schemes that kept defenses on their toes.
Impact on Dak Prescott’s Game
For Dak Prescott, the return of Amari Cooper had an immediate impact. The timing of the reunion couldn’t have been better, as Prescott entered the 2025 season with a renewed sense of purpose. The familiarity with Cooper provided Dak with the stability he needed to get back to his MVP-caliber level of play. No longer was he relying on young receivers or a makeshift offensive line; Prescott now had a trusted veteran in Cooper who knew exactly how to read defenses and create opportunities.
The mental connection between Dak and Amari was something that transcended just physical skill. They had spent years developing an almost telepathic understanding of each other’s movements and tendencies on the field. Prescott knew exactly when Cooper would break off a route or adjust his speed to make a play. Cooper, in turn, knew when Dak would be under pressure and could make an adjustment on the fly to give his quarterback an open target.
This symbiotic relationship helped Prescott regain his confidence as a passer, as he was no longer second-guessing his decisions or forcing throws into tight coverage. The Cowboys quarterback became more patient and methodical, waiting for the right opportunity to deliver a strike to Cooper or one of his other playmakers. This newfound rhythm also helped to keep opposing defenses guessing, as they could no longer key in on a single player or route concept.
A Boost for the Cowboys’ Championship Hopes
The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2025 season with heightened expectations, and the re-signing of Amari Cooper was seen as a crucial piece in their Super Bowl aspirations. With one of the best defenses in the league, a potent running game, and now a dynamic passing attack led by Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper, the Cowboys were ready to challenge for a championship. The NFC landscape was competitive, but the addition of Cooper gave the Cowboys the firepower they needed to compete with the league’s elite teams.
For Jerry Jones, the move was not just about winning games—it was about cementing his legacy as an owner who was willing to take risks and do whatever it took to bring the Cowboys back to prominence. Bringing back a player who had been so integral to the team’s success in the past was a bold statement that resonated with both the fanbase and the rest of the league.
The chemistry between Prescott and Cooper was already apparent in training camp, and it was clear from the outset that the Cowboys’ offense was much more dangerous with Cooper in the fold. As the 2025 season unfolded, the Cowboys quickly became one of the most feared teams in the NFC, with Prescott and Cooper once again proving that their partnership was one of the league’s most lethal.
The End of an Era?
As the season progressed, many Cowboys fans began to wonder if this reunion marked the final chapter in Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper’s careers together. Would 2025 be the year that the Cowboys finally made a Super Bowl run, or would the partnership end as just another fleeting chapter in the team’s long and storied history? Regardless of what the future held, one thing was clear—the decision to bring back Amari Cooper in 2025 was a game-changer for the Dallas Cowboys. It was a move that not only reignited the spark between Dak and Amari but also set the stage for what could be a truly special season for America’s Team.
