After not doing much in free agency, the Las Vegas Raiders invested heavily into the wide receivers room during the 2025 NFL draft by adding Jack Bech in the second round and Dont’e Thornton in the fourth.
While both are promising prospects, there’s no telling what each one will provide in Year 1. As a result, Las Vegas could use a more established option for quarterback Geno Smith on the outside for the short term.
With that in mind, Tashan Reed of The Athletic suggested the team sign its former first-round draft pick, Amari Cooper, who is one of the most high-profile players left on the open market.
“Cooper is no longer the same player who was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Raiders from 2015 to 2018, but he could still be a starting-caliber X receiver,” he wrote. “Maybe a reunion comes together at some point this offseason.”
Fears about a Cooper decline began last season, when the seven-time 1,000-yard wide receiver had his worst showing as a pro in the final year of his $100 million contract.
Cooper tallied just 547 yards between his time with the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills, who acquired him at the trade deadline.
However, he also missed three games and had a terrible situation at quarterback with the Browns before he had to make a midseason transition to the Bills’ offense, which didn’t pan out. With all of that going on, it’s fair to think Cooper was a victim of his situations more than his down season simply being a result of a decline.
Despite their draft selections, the Raiders could use an established X receiver next to Jakobi Myers and Brock Bowers. His presence would push the two rookies to lesser roles, which will allow Bech and Thornton to develop without pressure.
Cooper would also offer both youngsters great competition in training camp and if one or both beat him out, it would be a fantastic sign for their future.
With a trio of Cooper, Meyers and Bowers, Smith would have everything he needs to succeed in his first season under center with the Raiders.
Las Vegas’ interest in Cooper will depend upon price and contract length. Spotrac has him raking in a two-year deal worth $18.9 million annually, but there’s just no way he garners that much given how late it is in free agency, his age and with Cooper coming off a lackluster campaign.
If the Raiders can get him for close to half that or less on a one-year deal, it would make total sense to bring Cooper home.
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