The 2025 NFL free agency period has been one to remember. From blockbuster trades involving Deebo Samuel and Geno Smith to multiple quarterbacks like Justin Fields and Russell Wilson switching teams, the league looks a lot different than it did at the end of the 2024 season.
Still, there are a few notable names left on the board — most notably wide receiver Amari Cooper. After a down year, Cooper has yet to sign with a team, but two franchises to watch are the Las Vegas Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks.
Amari Cooper to Raiders or Seahawks?
Amari Cooper entered the NFL after a standout career at Alabama. A 1,727-yard final season helped make him the fourth overall pick in the 2015 draft. Since then, he’s been one of the league’s most productive receivers, earning five Pro Bowl selections.
A regular 1,000-yard receiver, Cooper’s 2024 season was one of the least effective of his career. A midseason trade to the Buffalo Bills didn’t produce the results many expected. However, NFL analyst Kristopher Knox believe the veteran still has something left in the tank, listing the Raiders and Seahawks as possible landing spots.
“The five-time Pro Bowler is still just 30 and went over 1,200 yards for Cleveland in 2023. Teams might be apprehensive about trusting a player who has lacked consistency for much of his career and struggled to produce while dealing with nagging injuries in 2024.
“The Raiders should be in on Cooper too, but we’re giving them the younger, speedier and cheaper Moore. Seattle now has money to spend and the need for an X or Z receiver like Cooper to work with Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.”
Expanding on the Seahawks’ interest, Knox added “The Seattle Seahawks have added Cooper Kupp, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and River Cracraft this offseason. However, they also traded DK Metcalf and released Tyler Lockett.”
With that kind of roster shakeup, giving new quarterback Sam Darnold a strong receiving group — similar to what he had in Minnesota — could be a priority. “Seattle should continue looking for ways to support new quarterback Sam Darnold, and adding Amari Cooper would help.”
Even if Cooper has lost a step, he may still bring value. “The 30-year-old appears to have lost some of his straight-line speed. However, he remains a savvy route-runner and a capable perimeter target who would complement the inside-outside versatility of Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.”
PFSN also listed potential destinations for Cooper, naming the Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons and Green Bay Packers. Each team has different wide receiver needs — with Jacksonville and Atlanta looking to boost depth and Green Bay seeking a new top playmaker.
Still just 30, Cooper could have a few strong years left. If he can turn back the clock, there are plenty of roles he could fill in today’s NFL.