Frisco - Evaluations of NFL players can often be harsh, but when it is former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Amari Cooper who is being labeled as "done," it rings particularly concerning. This damning assessment doesn't come from some petty media member but from one of Cooper's former coaches. After being traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills last season, it was believed Cooper would find new life playing alongside quarterback Josh Allen. The hopes were high for him to resurrect his career after the Cowboys decided to part ways with him due to performance issues.
Initially, Cooper was poised to bolster the Bills' offense, especially following the departures of prominent receivers Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. It was expected he would eventually sign an extension for the 2025 season. Unfortunately, reality didn't match expectation. Cooper's performance during the 2024 season was lackluster at best, finishing with just 20 receptions for 297 yards and two touchdowns. Fans were left wanting, and his transition was labeled as "one-and-done" with the Bills as he appeared to have caught only two passes each game.
According to NBC Sports analyst Matthew Berry, Cooper's disappointing results now land him as a free agent, and the outlook doesn’t seem promising. "Amari is done. That's not me talking," Berry posted on X, citing feedback from an offensive coach of one of Cooper's former teams. This sharp critique raises questions about the future viability of Cooper as he approaches the age of 31.
Cooper's initial arrival at the Bills came after Cleveland traded him for two draft picks. His time with the Browns had seen him racking up impressive numbers just two years ago, including 72 receptions for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns during one of his peak seasons. But now, the fall from grace appears steep.
The statistics from his brief stint with the Bills reveal missed opportunities and unrealized potential. Along with his regular-season numbers, Cooper managed only six catches for 41 yards during the playoffs. His overall performance led many to speculate if his career could be effectively over or if he would receive another chance somewhere else.
Cooper has spent significant time bouncing between teams, having played for the Raiders, Cowboys, Browns, and most recently, the Bills since being drafted fourth overall by Oakland back in 2015. His prowess as once one of the league's elite receivers deteriorated swiftly, which has left his standing with franchises teetering on uncertainty and indifference. Observers note how quickly Cooper has gone from being viewed as one of the NFL’s rising stars to potentially sitting on the sidelines as teams turn their attention elsewhere.
The Bills still have promising young talents such as Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and the recently signed Josh Palmer on their roster, leading to fewer open spots for Cooper. Even as the son of his storied career seeks rebirth, potential suitors could see Cooper's age and diminishing prowess as deterrents, especially with the upcoming draft class boasting deep talent at the wide receiver position.
"Is it really possible Cooper fell off this fast?" questioned multiple analysts, emphasizing his previous successes but contrasting this current twist of fate where he finds himself seeking employment without many opportunities on the horizon.
There's still hope among some fans, particularly Cowboys aficionados, who have expressed interest in bringing Cooper back, highlighting his previous achievements as evidence of his capability. His lifetime stats reflect 711 receptions for 10,033 yards and 64 touchdowns, which stand as testaments to what he achieved during his prime. But as he enters free agency, these figures are overshadowed by the pressing, albeit negative, critiques from insiders.
While Cooper's career isn't definitively over, the prevailing sentiment among analysts seems to lend credence to the idea of him being on his last chance. Whether through teams showing interest or through his own performances on trial contracts, only time will tell if Cooper can reclaim the success he once knew. The NFL remains unforgiving, and the race to the next promising target is already underway.
Cooper’s career has undoubtedly faced substantial obstacles, but could he rally yet again? Or will he become yet another example of talent lost to the harsh realities of the league?
