As the NFL offseason unfolds, the spotlight is on Amari Cooper, a former Alabama Crimson Tide star and a seasoned NFL wide receiver, who remains a prominent free agent. After a challenging 2024 season that saw him traded mid-year from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills, Cooper is looking for a new team to continue his career. Despite being a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a 10-year veteran, Cooper's recent performance has raised some eyebrows.
In the 2024 season, Cooper appeared in 14 games, recording 44 receptions for 547 yards and four touchdowns, a significant drop from his previous year's performance where he amassed 72 receptions for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns. His decline in productivity has many wondering where he will land next.
According to reports from USA TODAY Sports, multiple teams are eyeing Cooper as a potential addition. The Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, and Washington Commanders are all listed as possible landing spots. Notably, Cooper has previously played for both the Cowboys and Raiders, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to his potential return to those franchises.
The Arizona Cardinals have emerged as a particularly compelling option for Cooper. With the team opting not to draft a wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft, they are in need of veteran depth to support quarterback Kyler Murray. NFL writers have noted that adding Cooper could provide a much-needed boost to the Cardinals' receiving corps. Currently, the team features Michael Wilson, Zay Jones, Greg Dortch, and rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. as their primary targets.
Jacob Camenker from USA TODAY Sports highlighted that the Cardinals were expected to bolster their receiver lineup but failed to do so in the draft. He stated, "The Cardinals are another team that was expected to add receiver depth in the 2025 NFL Draft but didn't. The team currently has Michael Wilson, Zay Jones, and Greg Dortch to complement Marvin Harrison Jr., so adding Cooper to battle for a starting job could prove beneficial to Kyler Murray."
Kevin Patra from NFL.com echoed this sentiment, suggesting that Cooper could be a viable second option alongside Harrison Jr., stating, "Signing Cooper on the cheap would give Kyler Murray a veteran weapon who can win on the boundary." The Cardinals' need for a reliable second receiver is clear, especially as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Furthermore, Clutch Points emphasized Cooper's potential impact, noting that he could bring stability to the passing game and serve as a dependable red-zone threat. They remarked, "Murray has shown flashes of brilliance but needs consistent pass-catching support to take the next leap. Cooper, even in a reduced role, could bring stability to the passing game and provide Arizona with a dependable red-zone threat."
In addition to the Cardinals, the Philadelphia Eagles are another team that could benefit from Cooper's skills. With a receiving corps that includes A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, the Eagles are looking for additional depth. The team's wide receiver depth chart has been criticized, particularly after Jahan Dotson managed only 216 yards last season as the WR3. NFL insiders believe that Cooper could effectively fill the role of a secondary target.
According to SB Nation, Cooper is regarded as the best receiver left on the market, especially effective as a second option. The Eagles, who are currently ranked second in NFL Power Rankings, are in a strong position to make a move for Cooper. Howie Roseman, the Eagles' general manager, is known for adding veteran depth, making the possibility of signing Cooper even more appealing.
As Cooper weighs his options, the possibility of returning to the Cowboys or Raiders also looms large. Both teams have significant needs at the wide receiver position and could leverage Cooper's experience and skill set to bolster their offenses. The Cowboys, in particular, are in a position to consider Cooper again, as they look to fill the gap left by previous departures.
Despite his recent struggles, Cooper's track record speaks volumes. He has recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in seven different seasons and has consistently found the end zone throughout his career, hitting five or more touchdowns in every season except for 2024. His ability to separate from defenders and excel in short to intermediate routes makes him a valuable asset for any team looking to enhance its offensive capabilities.
As the NFL offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Amari Cooper. The ongoing discussions surrounding his potential landing spots highlight the uncertainty and excitement of free agency. With several teams expressing interest, it remains to be seen where Cooper will ultimately sign and how he will contribute to his new team. The Cardinals and Eagles are among the frontrunners, but the Cowboys and Raiders could also make a push for the veteran wideout.
For now, Cooper remains unsigned, and as the clock ticks toward the start of the 2025 NFL season, the anticipation builds. Will he find a new home that allows him to reclaim his status as one of the league's top receivers? Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this saga unfolds.