Mike McCarthy praises Cedrick Wilson as Amari Cooper departure looms large

During the 2021 season, the Dallas Cowboys had quite the wide receiver depth chart. The team had a whopping seven wideouts. This offseason, that roster is set to change drastically. The team is apparently just about set on cutting star receiver Amari Cooper in order to save money for cap space.

Aside from Cooper, Michael Gallup, Noah Brown, Malik Turner, and Cedrick Wilson are all 2022 free agents. That pretty much leaves CeeDee Lamb as the only receiver under contract on the entire roster. On Monday, Mike Garofolo reported that the Cowboys are working on a long-term deal with Gallup. So, where does that leave the other three? If anyone deserves to come back for 2022 it’s Wilson.

When members of the main WR trio were out with injury, Wilson stepped up and performed incredibly well. He didn’t look like a backup. The receiver had his best year in the NFL and for that reason has likely earned himself a higher paycheck in 2022. But will that paycheck come from Jerry Jones? Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy sure hopes so. During the NFL Combine, the head coach gave his receiver high praise and complimented his improvement:

"“I mean Cedrick, I’ve been with him two years and I know he was someone that has taken some big jumps in his early years. Love him as a player, love him as a person; extremely professional. Obviously growing up with his father playing in the league. I think there is just a steady, calm confidence about him.”"

Could Mike McCarthy’s high praise of Cedrick Wilson mean the free-agent receiver is staying with the Cowboys?

Wilson was a sixth-round pick out of Boise State in 2018. He sadly redshirted his first year with a torn labrum and barely played in his second year. In 2021, he had his best year in every statistical category. He gave Cowboys fans a sense of calm when the team’s biggest stars were out with injury. The receiver has proven that he was a late-round investment worth making.

Let’s not forget that Wilson is also great in trick plays. His throwing stats are currently perfect going 5 for 5 and throwing for 111 yards and one touchdown. The head coach also mentioned that Wilson’s versatility is a huge asset to the team. So much so, that McCarthy ended his conversation about Wilson saying that he is one of the free agents that the franchise is fighting to get back in the locker room. It’s understandable that Wilson has earned a big payday, but with big cap casualties on the horizon, the hope is Dallas can still afford him.

McCarthy called him ” an instinctive, aware, natural football player” who is able to contribute in multiple ways. The receiver is clearly well-liked by the staff and his teammates and seems to bring a sense of professionalism and adaptability that others can’t. Let’s hope he’s back in Dallas next year.