Amari Cooper: Where's This Guy Going Next?
So, Amari Cooper. Big name, still floating around in NFL free agency. Remember that mid-season trade from the Browns to the Bills last year? Yeah, that five-time Pro Bowler is looking for a new team. He’ll be 31 this summer, which might make some teams hesitate, but honestly, I think he's got some good football left in him. He’s still a highly sought-after free agent.
Could Dallas Be His Home Again?
The Dallas Cowboys—where Cooper absolutely *killed* it from 2019 to 2021—are a strong possibility. Cowboys insider R.J. Ochoa thinks a reunion could happen, but it'd take some serious swallowing of pride from the organization. Remember, they traded him to Cleveland, and that didn’t exactly work out as planned. Bringing him back would be a pretty clear “we messed up, let’s fix it” move.
The good news? Cooper knows Dak Prescott like the back of his hand, and he’s familiar with the Cowboys' offense. Think instant impact. We're talking 3,893 receiving yards and 27 touchdowns during his last stint in Dallas. Impressive, right?
The not-so-good news? His 2024 season wasn’t his best. His numbers with both the Browns and Bills were lower than usual. It makes you wonder, is he still got it? Can he still perform at that high level?
But here's the thing: the Cowboys didn’t draft a wide receiver despite needing depth. That's fueling all this speculation about a Cooper return. Owner Jerry Jones even hinted that veteran receiver additions are still on the table. So yeah, that door's open.
Other Teams Interested in Cooper
It's not just Dallas, though. A few other teams could really use Cooper's experience.
The New Orleans Saints are an interesting option. Their new offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, was Cooper's OC in Dallas, and they had a great run together. That connection could be huge.
The Las Vegas Raiders—Cooper’s old team—are also in the running. They drafted a bunch of wide receivers, but only one’s expected to be a major contributor right away. Adding Cooper would bring some much-needed veteran leadership to a pretty young receiving corps. And despite some past drama, the Raiders have changed a lot since then, making a reunion a real possibility.
A few other teams are reportedly interested, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Arizona Cardinals, New England Patriots, and Washington Commanders.
What's Cooper's Worth?
His market value is estimated around $14.2 million a year. His recent performance might knock that down a bit, but he’s still a proven player. For teams needing wide receiver help, he’s a relatively affordable way to add a big impact.
Cooper's Next Chapter: A Story Yet to Be Written
So, where will Amari Cooper end up? It's anyone's guess. 2024 wasn't his best, but his past performance and experience make him incredibly valuable. Dallas, New Orleans, and Las Vegas seem like the frontrunners right now, each offering something different. Whether he goes back to a familiar face in Dallas or starts fresh somewhere else, it's going to be a story we'll all be watching closely.
