Wide receiver Amari Cooper is still a free agent, but the former first-round pick will likely find a team in the coming weeks. One of the league’s better receivers at his peak, the Alabama product is coming off a disappointing season with the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills. Appearing in 14 games, Cooper finished the season with just 44 receptions for 547 yards and four touchdowns.
These numbers aren’t too impressive, but it’s important to note that he had an atrocious quarterback situation with Cleveland and played through a wrist injury during his time with the Bills. While he may have slowed down a bit, he’s just one season removed from recording 72 receptions for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns with Deshaun Watson and an aging Joe Flacco. Even if he’s nothing more than a depth receiver at this stage in his career, several teams should be interested in bringing him in as we get closer to the regular season.
4 Teams That Could Sign Amari Cooper
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have one of the league’s weakest wide receiver depth charts, and it’s even worse now that Mike Williams has called it a career. Ladd McConkey is the real deal, but Quetin Johnston is a liability in large doses and second-round pick Tre Harris is an unknown commodity. Signing Amari Cooper would give Justin Herbert and the offense a much-needed set of hands at the position. While Cooper’s 1,000-yard days might be behind him, this team could use a reliable veteran to establish a rapport with Herbert.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers probably won’t have Brandon Aiyuk for the start of the season, and they might lose Jauan Jennings to a trade. With the wide receiver demanding a raise, Kyle Shanahan’s squad might decide to save their pennies, trade Jennings, and sign Amari Cooper to a cheap contract. If the team believes in first-round pick Ricky Pearsall, then perhaps he can lead the passing attack while Cooper steps in as the third or fourth option behind Pearsall, tight end George Kittle, and running back Christian McCaffrey.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers have done everything in their power to build a roster capable of going on a deep playoff run. D.K. Metcalf, Aaron Rodgers, and Jalen Ramsey are all talented veterans, but this team could use another wide receiver. With George Pickens in Dallas, washed-up veteran Robert Woods and the unproven Calvin Austin are currently battling for a starting job. Amari Cooper may not be the player he once was, but he should still be better than either of those two.
New Orleans Saints
If Amari Cooper is waiting to sign with a contender, then he won’t go to the New Orleans Saints. However, if he’s open to signing with any team, then the Saints might be the best fit. Second-round pick Tyler Shough will probably win the starting job, which means New Orleans must create an environment that can help him reach his ceiling. Given Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed’s injury history, this team could use someone like Cooper to be the savvy veteran who can quickly get open and help Shough compensate for a poor offensive line.
Main Photo: Tina MacIntyre – Imagn Images
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