Teams across the AFC are eyeing the free agent market for last-minute additions that won’t break the bank but could fill crucial depth holes. With rosters being finalized for September, veteran presence at a discount price becomes incredibly valuable.
One name keeps surfacing in discussions: Amari Cooper. The veteran wide receiver remains unsigned despite a career that spans multiple playoff runs and Pro Bowl appearances. While his 2024 campaign didn’t live up to expectations, three AFC franchises see potential value in what he brings to the table.
What AFC Teams Could Be the Best Fit For Veteran WR Amari Cooper?
Cooper’s 2024 season tells the story of why he’s still searching for a home. The numbers don’t lie: just 547 yards and four touchdowns across 14 games represent his least productive campaign when healthy. That’s a far cry from the receiver who once commanded WR1 attention across the league.
The midseason trade from Cleveland to Buffalo was supposed to revitalize his career, but it never clicked. Jerry Jeudy’s arrival with the Browns had already pushed Cooper into a secondary role, and the Bills couldn’t find a way to maximize his skill set either. The writing became clear: Cooper’s days as a featured star are behind him.
WOW AMARI COOPER.
📺: #NYJvsBUF on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/Erc076QOvv— NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024
However, that shift from star to supporting player might actually work in Cooper’s favor. Teams looking for reliable depth rather than a game-changing playmaker could find exactly what they need without the hefty price tag that usually comes with veteran experience.
According to USA Today, three AFC franchises stand out as logical destinations. The Pittsburgh Steelers top the list after their aggressive offseason moves brought in Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf to transform the offense, but it still lacks a reliable secondary receiving option, someone Rodgers can trust.
“He’s a veteran presence that can still produce and shouldn’t cost too much. Whether that’s for a team like the all-in Pittsburgh Steelers or a rebuilding squad with the chance for a deal at the trade deadline, Cooper should find himself a roster spot in 2025,” Nick Brinkerhoff wrote in his analysis.
The Steelers’ situation presents both opportunity and complications. Rodgers now has elite talent in Metcalf, but integrating multiple new pieces can create chemistry issues. Adding Cooper to that mix might overwhelm the quarterback with too many adjustments at once.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers face a more pressing need. Mike Williams’ retirement left a hole in their receiving rotation that demands immediate attention.
WR Mike Williams informs Chargers he plans to retire. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/LBip7FN01A
— NFL (@NFL) July 17, 2025
Los Angeles currently features Ladd McConkey, who showed promise as a rookie, alongside Quentin Johnston, whose inconsistent hands remain a concern. Rookie Tre Harris brings the physical frame that Williams once provided, but lacks the experience. Cooper could step into that veteran role without demanding the spotlight, letting McConkey develop as the primary target.
The third option presents the most intriguing storyline: Las Vegas. The Raiders underwent massive changes this offseason, with Tom Brady joining as minority owner while Geno Smith and Pete Carroll arrived to lead the franchise. For Cooper, this represents a homecoming to the organization that drafted him and where he spent his first three and a half NFL seasons.
Las Vegas desperately needs receiving depth. Their current group ranks among the league’s thinnest, with Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker providing veteran leadership while rookie Jack Bech rounds out the top options. Cooper’s familiarity with the organization, combined with their obvious need, creates a natural fit.
This reunion could offer Cooper something the other destinations can’t: a chance to reclaim a featured role. His experience would provide Smith with a reliable safety net while allowing Bech time to develop without immediate pressure. The veteran presence alone makes this move logical for both sides if contract terms align.
