Following another heartbreaking playoff exit for the Buffalo Bills, wide receiver Amari Cooper is on his way to the open market as an unrestricted free agent. Coming off his least productive season to date, the question teams are asking is: How much does Cooper have left in the tank? Here are four teams who could be willing to take a gamble on the Bills’ wideout.
Does Amari Cooper Still Have It?
The 30-year-old receiver split time with the Cleveland Browns and the Bills in 2024. However, after amassing a career-low 547 yards in 14 games, Cooper’s value going into free agency is quite low. But that’s not to say there won’t be interest from teams in need of pass catchers.
There is still evident upside to bringing Cooper on board. First, he’s an established veteran who can be relied upon on third downs. When Cooper had Josh Allen as his quarterback for eight games this season, he caught 62% of passes thrown his way for 297 yards, compared to the 250 yards he recorded in six games with the Browns.
Cooper proved his reliability with the Bills, putting up solid numbers while being targeted just 32 times. His 85 total targets across 2024 were also a career low for the veteran.
Another reason why Cooper could be an important signing is his veteran leadership. Whoever ends up acquiring him will get a receiver who knows the ins and outs of the NFL and can serve as a mentor to younger players.
There is always value in picking up a past star such as Cooper, a player who has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in six seasons with three different teams.
4 Potential Landing Spots for Cooper
In 2024, Cooper made it clear that he could still be a serviceable NFL receiver. As we get closer to the opening of free agency, here are four teams who could make the call for Cooper’s services.
New England Patriots
It’s clear that the New England Patriots are looking to get their franchise quarterback, Drake Maye, some help this offseason. With the team currently lacking star power and experience in the WR room, Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf will likely aim to make an upgrade.
In recent weeks, New England has been linked to Tee Higgins and Chris Godwin. However, if the Patriots can’t make either move, Cooper would most likely be next on their list and could immediately become Maye’s top target.
Pittsburgh Steelers
It feels like the Pittsburgh Steelers are constantly in search of receiving upgrades. However, if George Pickens can continue his growth as the Steel City’s go-to guy, Cooper could end up being the perfect fit as the number-two receiver.
While the Steelers acquired Mike Williams in a deal with the New York Jets before the trade deadline, he’s 30 years old and on an expiring contract. Also, Williams hasn’t produced much since arriving in Pittsburgh; in nine games, he had just nine catches for 132 yards and one touchdown.
Cooper could be a fantastic upgrade in that same role.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are not scrambling to upgrade at the receiver position, but with $57.6 million in cap space, Cooper could become a potential target to enhance what was the best offense in football in 2024.
Pro Football Network ranked the Lions first in Offense+ this season, with a score of 94.2. Adding a veteran like Cooper could elevate Detroit’s offense to an even higher level in 2025.
If the Lions decide to let unrestricted free agent Tim Patrick walk, signing Cooper becomes even more plausible. Cooper joining the Lions would likely give him the best shot at a productive season as well as a legitimate chance at a Super Bowl, even if his workload is reduced.
Carolina Panthers
Bryce Young’s turnaround after being benched was something to behold in 2024. And the best way to continue his development is by bringing in experienced pass catchers.
As the Carolina Panthers look to build on their quarterback’s late-season success, Cooper could be the perfect veteran to help Young take the next step in his progression.
In addition to aiding Young’s growth, Cooper could provide mentorship to the Panthers’ young receivers, such as Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker, who could benefit significantly from training and playing alongside an established star like Cooper.
For Cooper, joining the Panthers could mean an uptick in workload and targets, which might help revitalize his career.
With him set to hit the open market, many teams won’t pass up the chance to add a player of Cooper’s caliber at a potentially discounted price. Despite his numbers being lower than in years past, his track record, reliability, and leadership make him a valuable option for teams looking to bolster their receiving corps.