The Dallas Cowboys made sure their starting quarterback didn’t hit free agency. As a result, the signal caller’s top target is free to sign with another team.

Dallas used the franchise tag on Dak Prescott Monday morning. Unable to come to an agreement with Amari Cooper, the wide receiver is on the open market.

The Cowboys are negotiating with Cooper, who could earn a contract that pays him around $20 million per season. Dallas is considered the favorite to ink Cooper to a long-term deal.

Free agents are now allowed to speak with other teams. They are not allowed to sign contracts with a new team until Wednesday.

The franchise tag for Prescott is worth an estimated $31.5 million for the 2020 NFL season. The two sides have until July 15 to agree on a long-term deal.

Cooper helped jumpstart Dallas’ offense immediately upon being traded to the Cowboys in the middle of the 2018 season. Dallas went 7-2 after acquiring the receiver, winning the NFC East and their wild-card round playoff game.

The Cowboys had the No.1 ranked offense in 2019 as Cooper played every game. Dallas missed the playoffs with an 8-8 record.

The Cowboys have never finished below .500 since Prescott became the starting quarterback in 2016.

Cooper had 79 receptions for 1,189 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Only Travis Kelce has more receiving touchdowns than Cooper since Dallas made the trade a year and a half ago.

Cooper is the best wide receiver on the market. The Cincinnati Bengals have used the franchise tag on receiver A.J. Green, who made the Pro Bowl every year from 2011-2017.

In his five-year career, Cooper has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times. He averages over 1,000 yards per season.

Amari Cooper Cowboys Eagles
Amari Cooper #19 of the Dallas Cowboys makes a pass reception against Corey Graham #24 of the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium on December 09, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images
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