Amari Cooper: Where Will the Veteran Receiver Land After a Tumultuous 2024?
Amari Cooper, a name synonymous with elite receiving talent for much of his NFL career, finds himself in an unusual position: a prominent free agent lingering on the market well after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft. Once considered a premier wideout, Cooper’s recent performance has raised questions about his future, but his proven track record and potential for resurgence make him an intriguing option for teams seeking a veteran presence and offensive boost.
Cooper’s 2024 season was undoubtedly a disappointment. Split between the Cleveland Browns and the Buffalo Bills following a mid-season trade, he amassed just 44 receptions for 547 yards and four touchdowns across 14 games. These numbers represent career lows, a stark contrast to the consistent production he had delivered throughout his tenure in the league. The trade to Buffalo, intended to bolster their receiving corps for a Super Bowl push, ultimately didn’t yield the expected results. He struggled to integrate into the Bills’ offensive scheme and never quite found the rhythm that made him a valuable asset elsewhere.
However, it’s crucial to remember that Cooper’s dip in production is a relatively recent phenomenon. Just one season prior, in 2023 with the Browns, he enjoyed a career-best year, racking up 1,250 receiving yards and earning his fifth Pro Bowl selection. This demonstrates that the potential for high-level performance remains within him. Turning 31 in June, Cooper is certainly not in the twilight of his career, and with the right opportunity, he could easily recapture some of his former glory.
The key for Cooper will be finding a team that can utilize his skills effectively and provide him with a conducive environment to thrive. Several teams, each with varying degrees of need and roster construction, could emerge as potential landing spots for the veteran receiver.
Reunion in Dallas? The Cowboys Could Use a Reliable Target.
A return to the Dallas Cowboys, where Cooper played from 2018 through 2021, is a possibility that has been circulating among analysts and fans alike. After failing to address their receiver needs during the 2025 NFL Draft, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys might be inclined to bring back a familiar face. While CeeDee Lamb has firmly established himself as the team’s primary receiving threat, the Cowboys lack a consistent and reliable No. 2 option. Young receivers Jonathan Mingo and Jalen Tolbert haven’t yet solidified their roles, leaving a void that Cooper could potentially fill. His experience and proven ability could provide a significant boost to the Cowboys’ passing attack and offer Dak Prescott another trusted target.
A Return to the Raiders? Seeking Veteran Leadership.
Another former team that could express interest in Cooper is the Las Vegas Raiders. While the Raiders have Jakobi Meyers as a dependable slot receiver and invested a second-round pick in Jack Bech, their receiver room is relatively young and lacks experienced leadership. Cooper could provide valuable mentorship and depth to the Raiders’ receiving corps, offering a veteran presence to guide the development of their younger players. His ability to create separation and make contested catches would also complement the Raiders’ existing offensive talent.
Philadelphia’s No. 3 Conundrum: Cooper as a Potential Solution?
The Philadelphia Eagles boast one of the league’s most formidable receiving duos in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but the team has struggled to find a consistent No. 3 wide receiver. Their acquisition of Jahan Dotson before the 2024 season didn’t pan out as hoped, as the former first-round pick managed only 19 catches for 216 yards. Cooper could challenge Dotson for the No. 3 receiver role, bringing his experience and skill set to a position of need for the Eagles. General Manager Howie Roseman has shown a willingness to take calculated risks on veteran players in the past, as evidenced by the team’s signing of Julio Jones in his later years. A similar gamble on Cooper could potentially pay dividends for the Eagles.
Arizona’s Receiving Corps: A Battle for Starting Roles.
The Arizona Cardinals, another team that bypassed addressing their receiver depth in the 2025 NFL Draft, could also be a viable option for Cooper. While the team has the highly touted Marvin Harrison Jr. poised to become their primary target, they lack established depth beyond him. Michael Wilson, Zay Jones, and Greg Dortch are all serviceable players, but adding Cooper to the mix could create a competitive environment and ultimately elevate the performance of the entire receiving corps. The presence of a veteran like Cooper could also benefit quarterback Kyler Murray, providing him with another reliable option to target.
New England’s Rebuilding Project: Adding Experience to the Mix.
The New England Patriots, undergoing a significant rebuild around rookie quarterback Drake Maye, have already made strides in bolstering their receiving corps by signing veterans Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins. Adding Cooper, a former Bill, would further enhance their receiver room and provide Maye with a more experienced and versatile group of targets. With Diggs potentially recovering from a torn ACL, having another proven receiver like Cooper would provide crucial depth and insurance. Cooper’s presence alongside the team’s recent draft picks – Kyle Williams, JaLynn Polk, and Javon Baker – would create a balanced mix of veteran leadership and youthful potential.
Washington’s Solid Depth: A Low-Risk, High-Reward Opportunity?
The Washington Commanders, while seemingly well-stocked at the receiver position with Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel, Noah Brown, and recent draft picks Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane, could still consider adding Cooper as a low-risk, high-reward option. While not a pressing need, Cooper’s presence would further solidify the Commanders’ receiving depth around rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. General Manager Adam Peters, who has demonstrated a willingness to add veteran talent to the roster, might see Cooper as a valuable addition to the team’s offensive arsenal.
Ultimately, Amari Cooper’s next destination will depend on a variety of factors, including his willingness to accept a role as a secondary target, the financial terms of his contract, and the specific needs and philosophies of the teams vying for his services. While his recent performance has raised questions, his proven track record and potential for resurgence make him a valuable asset for a team looking to add experience, leadership, and a potential spark to their passing game. As training camps approach, the saga of Amari Cooper’s free agency will undoubtedly continue to unfold, with several teams poised to make a play for the veteran receiver.
