Wide receiver Amari Cooper remains on the open market more than a month and a half after the start of free agency. There hasn’t been much buzz about teams showing interest either, but the end of the 2025 NFL Draft could finally bring a few calls his way.
Why Is Amari Cooper Still Unsigned?
Cooper was the fourth overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders and has been one of the league’s most consistent receivers since. But a midseason trade from the Cleveland Browns to the Buffalo Bills last year led to a sharp drop in production — and now the veteran is without a team heading into 2025.
Matthew Berry, an NFL analyst for NBC Sports and formerly of ESPN, gave a cryptic update on Cooper at the start of free agency. He said the wide receiver was “done.” Berry didn’t clarify whether that meant Cooper was retiring or simply past his prime.
Interestingly, Berry said the info came from an offensive coach from one of Cooper’s former teams. That’s sparked some speculation that Cooper may be stepping away from football entirely.
Before last season, Cooper had back-to-back 1,160-yard seasons in Cleveland — including a career-high 1,250 yards in 2023. He also topped 1,100 receiving yards in four of five seasons before 2024, averaging 77.8 catches in that stretch.
But in six games with the Browns last season, Cooper had just 24 catches for 250 yards and two touchdowns. Some chalked that up to the Browns’ inconsistent quarterback situation, especially with Deshaun Watson in and out of the lineup.
The trade to Buffalo was supposed to spark a bounce back. Playing with Josh Allen, who went on to win MVP, seemed like a great fit on paper.
But it never clicked.
In eight regular-season games with the Bills, Cooper totaled just 20 catches for 297 yards and two touchdowns. His struggles continued in the playoffs, where he managed just six receptions for 41 yards across three games.
Still, Cooper could get another shot once the post-draft dust settles. His “market value” is $18.9 million per year, per Spotrac, although such an expensive deal seems ambitious this late in the offseason.
And in a bit of a twist, the Dallas Cowboys — Cooper’s former team — have reportedly shown “growing interest” in a reunion. It could be the opportunity Cooper has been waiting for, with Dallas needing a No. 2 option to pair with CeeDee Lamb and help Dak Prescott.
