Latest news with #AmariCooper
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Amari Cooper Signing Rumors Swirl for Cowboys and Bills
The Buffalo Bills tried the Amari Cooper experiment last season, and one can say with some authority that it was a failure. Before that, the Dallas Cowboys tried it ... and it worked for a moment, well enough that he was given a $100 million deal. Advertisement But more recently, as he searches for his third employer in the last year? Cooper was a midseason trade acquisition for the AFC East franchise, but he was immediately injured in the first couple of weeks, which set him back. Coming to a new team midway through the year, you need a smooth track to develop the chemistry needed to be a weapon on the field, and Cooper missed that. He totaled just 297 yards and two touchdowns from 20 receptions in eight games, along with six catches for 41 yards in three playoff games. That isn't the type of production Buffalo wanted. Advertisement Now a free agent, Cooper is still without a team as the rest of the NFL seems to be taking a "thanks, but no thanks" approach to the Pro Bowler. But from a Buffalo perspective, is there merit in a return? The easy answer is no. How about from a Dallas perspective? No. The salary Cooper would want is likely too high for Buffalo, plus the production from last season doesn't exactly scream "we have to sign him" for the front office. Advertisement Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (18) runs with the ball after making a catch against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at Highmark Fisher-Imagn Images But would a full offseason of work see a better output from Cooper? Possibly. However, with Josh Palmer signed in free agency, and the Bills thought to be looking at adding another weapon for Josh Allen in the draft, the door for Amari to return to Buffalo in 2025 looks firmly shut. The Bills don't need an aging receiver who struggled with injury and form last year, and it's clear they are turning the page on Cooper. And rumors aside, Dallas turned the page when they trade-dumped him for nothing to Cleveland two years ago, just to get out from that fat salary. Advertisement He was a trade acquisition that was seen as a move to put first the Cowboys and then Bills over the top in their chances for a Super Bowl, but it turned out - certainly in Buffalo - that Cooper was another "guy" on offense. So while Cooper remains a free agent, it's a "thanks, but no thanks" from us, too. Related: What's Bills' Josh Allen 'Fits' Ranking? Related: Cowboys' Micah Parsons Trashes Entire Sport as 'A Joke'
Newsweek
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Steelers Named Possible Landing Spot for Ex-Cowboys Wide Receiver
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Before the Dallas Cowboys had their newly formed receiver duo of Ceedee Lamb and George Pickens, Amari Cooper was a key piece for them on the outside. With the start of the 2025 season just around the corner, one AFC contender has been tossed out as a possible landing spot for the five-time Pro Bowler. Cooper arrived in Dallas in 2018 via trade with the then-Oakland Raiders. He quickly built a strong connection with Dak Prescott, resulting in him putting up some of the best numbers of his NFL career. He racked up multiple 1,000-yard seasons in Dallas, along with landing Pro Bowl honors in 2019. Since the Cowboys traded Cooper in 2021, he's had stints with the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills. However, with training camp set to begin this week, he remains on the free agent market. While breaking down the best NFL players still available, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox touched on the Pittsburgh Steelers being a team that could pursue him. ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 29: Amari Cooper #18 of the Buffalo Bills looks on during halftime against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York.... ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 29: Amari Cooper #18 of the Buffalo Bills looks on during halftime against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. More Also read: Cowboys Standouts Named Among NFL's Top Homegrown Duos "Cooper would be a sensible target for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are going all-in on the 2025 season with quarterback Aaron Rodgers," Knox wrote. "Pittsburgh acquired wideout DK Metcalf early in the offseason but also traded receiver George Pickens after the draft." Cooper, 31, is coming off a down year in 2024. Across 14 appearances for the Browns and Bills, he totaled just 547 yards and four touchdowns. That said, he isn't far removed from being a highly productive receiver. Back in 2023, Cooper landed Pro-Bowl honors after notching 1,250 yards and five touchdowns for the Browns. After signing Aaron Rodgers in the offseason, the Steelers are all in on making a run at a Super Bowl this season. Taking a flier on Cooper would give the four-time MVP an array of established veterans to throw to between him, DK Metcalf, and Robert Woods. Also read: Former Champion Sets High Bar For New-Look Cowboys Offense As for the Cowboys, they are gearing up for a new era at receiver. Lamb has established himself as one of the top players at his position, and now has a viable threat alongside him again. Heading into a contract year, Pickens will be looking to put all the off-field drama behind him and prove he can be a productive contributor on a good team. Given his track record in the NFL, it's likely a team rolls the dice on Cooper at some point this year. For more Dallas Cowboys and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers named logical landing spot for 5-time Pro Bowler who could replace George Pickens
The Pittsburgh Steelers have yet to replace George Pickens. Sure, the Steelers traded for DK Metcalf earlier this offseason, but the team had a need at wide receiver before that move. The trade for Jonnu Smith definitely helps Pittsburgh's lackluster group of pass-catchers, but the wide receivers room remains shaky, at best. Roman Wilson, Robert Woods and Calvin Austin are all in line for significant roles, yet Wilson is unproven, Woods is on the down side of his career, and Austin has just one season of decent production (548 yards in 2024). Adding a veteran in free agency would be the move this team needs. As far as which veteran they should go after, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox suggests Amari Cooper. "Cooper would be a sensible target for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are going all-in on the 2025 season with quarterback Aaron Rodgers," Knox explained. "Pittsburgh acquired wideout DK Metcalf early in the offseason but also traded receiver George Pickens after the draft." Cooper is coming off a down season in 2024, which has led to fears about a possible decline as he enters a season in which he's 31 years old. However, in the year prior, Cooper posted a career-high 1,250 yards, so he isn't that far removed from great production. So, what happened in 2024 that led to Cooper tallying a career-low 547 yards? In his defense, he did have bad quarterback play while with the Cleveland Browns, who had a struggling Deshaun Watson as their starter for all six games Cooper appeared in with the Browns. Then, Cooper had to acclimate to a new offense after being traded to the Buffalo Bills. He also suffered a wrist injury in Week 8 that needed surgery, but Cooper declined to get it, according to general manager Brandon Beane. With the Steelers clearly going for it in 2025, they should bring Cooper in to give their offense, which was the weakest link in 2024, a better chance to succeed. Even if he is a bit diminished, he'd still offer an upgrade for Pittsburgh and would be a perfect fit opposite Metcalf on the outside. That would also put less pressure on Austin and Wilson and would alleviate the need to depend on Woods. MORE PITTSBURGH STEELERS NEWS Steelers draft prediction adds QB with 12% chance to be No. 1 pick Steelers' chances of trading for McLaurin or Jennings are slim Cam Heyward lands shockingly high in PFSN's top-100 list
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Raiders Legend Had Harsh Words for Amari Cooper Amid Potential Reunion
Raiders Legend Had Harsh Words for Amari Cooper Amid Potential Reunion originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Las Vegas Raiders traded away All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams last season, which left a gaping hole in their wide receiver room. Ahead of the 2025 campaign, Jakobi Meyers is expected to be the top target, who is coming off a career year. Advertisement However, outside of Meyers, the wide receiver room is filled with unproven players or rookies, so the team could stand to add another pass-catcher to this group. Many outlets have suggested free agent Amari Cooper as a potential option. Cooper was drafted by the Raiders with the No. 4 overall pick in 2015, so his signing with Las Vegas would be a reunion. He left the organization in disgrace his first time around, but the team has changed cities and leadership several times since then. Former Oakland Raiders WR Amari Cooper (89).James Lang-Imagn Images Legendary Raiders offensive lineman Lincoln Kennedy, a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, however, had a different opinion. He had harsh words for Cooper on the "Locked On Raiders Podcast" about a potential reunion happening. Advertisement "No. Let me preface this by saying that I remember when Amari was drafted. I was one of the first guys on the Raiders to interview him. I looked in his eyes and realized he didn't want to be a Raider," Kennedy said. "He didn't enjoy his time in Oakland, that's why he couldn't wait to get out of there. ... My point for Amari is [that] he never took the next step to develop his route-running skills. He is not a good route-running receiver. ... That's all Amari Cooper is, is a name. I don't think they should do it." Cooper had a successful start to his career in Oakland, as he made the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons and finished third in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting. After a dip in production in his third season, however, he forced his way out in 2018. Since then, he has made stops with the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills. Last season, he was traded from Cleveland to Buffalo and recorded just 44 catches for 547 yards and four touchdowns between the two teams. Las Vegas could certainly use a player like Cooper, who is just one year removed from a Pro Bowl campaign in 2023 with the Browns. But as Kennedy pointed out, it may not be a smart move to sign a player who does not want to be a Raider. Advertisement Related: Raiders Hit With Harsh Reality Regarding Status in AFC West Related: Patrick Mahomes Sends Strong Maxx Crosby Message Ahead of 2025 Season This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Broncos Predicted to Land Free Agent Receiver
Broncos Predicted to Land Free Agent Receiver originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Denver Broncos' offense exceeded nearly all expectations in 2024. The team selected Bo Nix with the No. 12 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and many in the building were excited about what Nix and the offense could achieve under the guidance of Sean Payton, even if it was fair to expect some growing pains from a rookie quarterback. Advertisement Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) catches a touchdown pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. (33) as defends. Ken Blaze/Imagn ImagesKen Blaze/Imagn Images Nix showed a lot of positives in his rookie season, completing 66.3% of his passes for 3775 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions as the Broncos made the postseason for the first time since 2015. A positive for the offense was Nix's connection with Courtland Sutton, who arguably had a career year, catching 81 passes for 1,081 yards and eight touchdowns. Sutton enters the season as Nix's top target once again. Still, the Broncos added pass-catchers Pat Bryant and Evan Engram through the NFL Draft and free agency, hopefully adding more pop to a receiving core that needed an upgrade. However, there could be more help for Nix and the offense. Per Seth Walder of ESPN, the Broncos are a potential destination for veteran receivers Keenan Allen or Amari Cooper, who are free agents searching for new teams. Advertisement In an article where Walder graded every NFL team's offseason grade, Walder handed the Broncos an excellent 'A-' grade, praising the team's direction and the moves made, but wished the Broncos did more at receiver. 'I wanted to see the Broncos do more at receiver. Besides counting on Courtland Sutton and Engram, they are likely hoping for Marvin Mims Jr. or Troy Franklin to break out. Perhaps they'll end up making a move for another veteran -- maybe Keenan Allen or Amari Cooper?' Walder writes. Allen spent the 2024 season with the Chicago Bears, catching 70 passes for 744 yards and seven touchdowns, while Cooper was traded to the Buffalo Bills midway through the season and struggled to acclimate, catching 20 balls for 297 yards and two touchdowns in eight games. Both remain free agents, likely because of their drop-off in play from 2024, and because of the healthy receiver landscape across the NFL. However, the Broncos have options at receiver already, and neither would need to come in and earn 120 targets, especially in an offense that could run the ball more efficiently in 2025. A move could manifest itself. Related: Broncos' Bold Draft Pick Jahdae Barron Poised to Shine in 2025 This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
