FRISCO, Texas _ To see how much Amari Cooper has transformed the Dallas Cowboys, look no further than the trade deadline.
The Cowboys offered a first-round pick to the New York Jets for safety Jamal Adams. Though the deal didn't happen, the Cowboys' interest showed their commitment to go all-in for a Super Bowl title in 2019.
Had the Cowboys landed Adams, they would have traded first-round picks two years in a row. That commitment illustrates the amazing effect Amari Cooper has had on this franchise since he joined the team in a bye-week trade 16 games ago. Before Cooper, the Cowboys were reluctant to trade first-round picks after a series of bad deals.
Cooper not only saved 2018 season after coming via trade from the Oakland Raiders, but he also saved coach Jason Garrett's job and has quarterback Dak Prescott on the verge of a contract extension in excess of at least $32 million annually.
The numbers speak for themselves.
Cooper has 91 receptions for 1,346 yards and 11 touchdowns in 16 regular-season games dating back to last season. In 2018, those numbers would've been good enough for Cooper to rank 10th in receiving yards and fifth in TD receptions.
The Cowboys were 3-4 when Cooper joined the team. Since then, they have an 11-5 regular-season record, including a 7-0 mark against the Cowboys' NFC East rivals.
And the division-leading Cowboys (4-3) hope to extend that streak when they return for Monday's game against the New York Giants following a bye.
Cooper is third in the NFL in receiving yards (621), touchdowns (five) and yards-per-target (12.4). He's fourth in yards per game (88.7).
The Cowboys already thought of lot of Cooper when they decided to trade for him, but vice president Stephen Jones said he has been better than expected.
"I think he has exceeded expectations," Jones said. "When he is in the game, we play better. He makes everybody better."
