The Las Vegas Raiders find themselves in a fascinating spot heading into the 2025 season. They’re juggling multiple priorities: changing the team culture, getting younger, bringing in veteran stability, rebuilding, and somehow winning all at once.
Las Vegas hired Pete Carroll for what might be his final coaching chapter, signed Geno Smith to lead the offense, gave Maxx Crosby a max contract, and drafted Ashton Jeanty to be their feature back. They have tight end Brock Bowers locked up, but beyond Jakobi Meyers at wide receiver, they’re planning to slot rookie Jack Bech in as their number two on the outside.
However, the Raiders could reach into their past to advance their future in the present.
Who Would Be the Better Fit To Help the Raiders Stabilize Their Receiver Room?
Amari Cooper is available and ready to go. The veteran wide receiver had a down year in 2024 during his stints with the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills, but he’s tanned, rested, and healthy coming into 2025. His name has been talked about constantly.
Cooper has several appealing options. He could fit in with the Rams as their third option behind Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. The New York Jets would be a good fit as a second option behind Garrett Wilson and as a safety blanket for quarterback Justin Fields.
However, signing with the Raiders presents a tantalizing opportunity considering their on-the-fly rebuild and desire to compete immediately.
As has been said repeatedly, Cooper is coming off a down year thanks to his wrist injury in Buffalo. With a full offseason to get himself back into game shape, he’s a desirable option for teams who want a reliable underneath option who can move the chains and be a positive influence on young up-and-coming receivers.
Cooper is probably in ring-chasing mode, so the Raiders may not be the perfect fit for him. For the Raiders, though, he’s someone they’d kill to have. He’s precise, professional, intelligent, and capable of tallying up 1,000-plus yards if he stays healthy.
Slotting Cooper into the Raiders’ lineup would make him a sort of 1A to 2 receiver and give Smith the veteran presence he would appreciate and welcome. Whether or not the Raiders can get him is another story entirely.
With less than a week until training camp, contenders and pretenders alike who are in the market for veterans with skills and gas left in the tank will be making offers. Teams like the Bills, Steelers, and Rams (maybe even the Chiefs) will come calling.
If the Raiders want him, they might have to overpay, but it wouldn’t be by much.
