As we get set to enter the NFL season, all teams must trim their roster down to 53 players. However, some teams are still looking to add players to their roster when the opportunity arises. That is what the Las Vegas Raiders did on Monday, by bringing back veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper.
There were some whispers around the league that Cooper may be headed for retirement, but instead, he heads to Las Vegas to try to help its passing game. This signing happened on the same day that Jakobi Meyers requested a trade from the Raiders. If the team plans on granting that request, the addition of Cooper makes sense.
What Amari Cooper Can Bring to the Raiders?
The Raiders drafted Cooper in 2015, and he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys midway through his fourth season. He was a two-time Pro Bowler with the Raiders and established himself as one of the premier wide receivers in football.
Now, as Cooper enters his age-31 season, he is coming off a down year with the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills. His combined season totals included 44 receptions for 547 yards and four touchdowns.
The Raiders agreeing to give Cooper a one-year deal shows they think he can help them for at least the 2025 season.
BREAKING: The #Raiders are signing 5x Pro Bowl WR Amari Cooper to a 1-year deal, per multiple sources.
Big time addition for Geno Smith. pic.twitter.com/B9uM3721xR
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 25, 2025
Cooper is no longer in his prime, and it is unlikely he plays a prominent role in the Raiders’ offense. He joins a receiving corps full of question marks, including the aforementioned Meyers and rookies Dont’e Thornton Jr. and Jack Bech.
Yet, the No. 1 pass-catching option in their offense will be tight end Brock Bowers. It will be interesting to see where Cooper slots into the depth chart and how much gas he has left in the tank.
Raiders Hoping To Turn the Tide
Coming off a disappointing 2024 season, the Raiders knew they needed to make significant changes. They did just that by hiring Pete Carroll as their new head coach and bringing in Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks.
The new QB-HC duo should bring some stability to a franchise that has lacked it in recent seasons. The Raiders selected Ashton Jeanty with their first-round draft pick, and he will also provide a needed spark.
Unfortunately for the Raiders, they play in one of the toughest divisions in football. Having to compete against the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Los Angeles Chargers is not an easy task.
Many expect the Raiders to finish fourth in the division this season, but if they can stay healthy, this could be a sneaky Wild Card team.
