Amari Cooper’s name keeps appearing in trade discussions for a good reason. The 10-year veteran might be without a team right now, but teams across the NFL are taking notice. Cooper’s phone isn’t exactly quiet, from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Los Angeles Rams, the Las Vegas Raiders, and the New York Jets.
Sure, he had a rough 2024 season after suffering a wrist injury following his mid-season trade from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills. However, Cooper is still 31 and has reliable hands that can steady any passing attack. Among all the teams showing interest, one NFC West squad is a perfect match for both sides.
Why Could the Arizona Cardinals Be Amari Cooper’s Best Landing Spot?
Joshua Watt of NFL Spin Zone thinks Cooper could complement second-year wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.. Building a strong receiving corps means finding players whose skills mesh together seamlessly. Cooper brings that steady, possession-receiver mentality that perfectly balances Harrison’s explosive, game-breaking ability.
“The Cardinals are not necessarily in desperate need for a wide receiver, especially after drafting Marvin Harrison Jr in last year’s draft,” Watt wrote. “However, this wide receiver group in general is pretty unproven. Right now, Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch aren’t exactly striking fear into defensive coordinators.”
Wilson managed 85 receptions, 1,113 yards, and seven touchdowns across two seasons. Dortch has 116 receptions, 1,104 yards, and seven touchdowns in four years.
While both players could potentially break out, Cooper represents a safer bet. He’d give Arizona an affordable option who delivers consistent production on the field while providing veteran leadership in the locker room.
Can Cooper Still Perform at a High Level After His Struggles?
The big question surrounding Cooper centers on whether he has anything left in the tank as a legitimate number-two receiver. His 2024 campaign was absolutely brutal. Cooper managed just 44 receptions on 85 targets with 547 receiving yards and four touchdowns across 14 games split between Cleveland and Buffalo.
Buffalo acquired Cooper in that mid-season trade with Cleveland, expecting him to boost their playoff push. He started strong, debuting in Week 7 against the Tennessee Titans with four catches for 66 yards and a touchdown.
Then disaster struck in Week 8 against the Seattle Seahawks when Cooper suffered that wrist injury. He missed the remainder of that game and sat out the next two weeks. When doctors recommended surgery, Cooper decided to tough it out and play through the pain.
Unfortunately, the playoffs didn’t offer any redemption. Across three postseason games, Cooper saw only eight targets, managing six catches for 41 receiving yards and zero touchdowns.
The market for Cooper is softer than it would have been a year ago. That works in Arizona’s favor. The Cardinals could land him at a bargain price while betting he has one more productive season left.
