The Facts: The Cowboys paid a first-round draft pick to the Raiders for Cooper, but they have yet to discuss paying the wide receiver who has helped turn around their season. Sources said the sides haven't had any talks regarding a contract extension for Cooper, who has given Dallas yards after the catch, touchdowns, and renewed hope in the NFC East.

Diehards Line: Considering the Cowboys surrendered a first-round pick for Cooper, some NFL executives thought they would have tried to lock him up in advance of the late-October trade. But the team felt that with Cooper's fifth-year option and then the franchise tag after that, there was no need. Now, Dallas (6-5) feels as if the price on Cooper -- who has 22 receptions for 349 yards and three TDs since joining the team -- is rising by the week. The sides are expected to commence contract talks after this season, a source said, and Dallas wants to pay Cooper. But there haven't been any inroads yet.