Training camp is heating up across the NFL, and final rosters are taking shape. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the 2025 season brings massive changes and championship expectations. After their Wild Card exit and late-season collapse in 2024, Pittsburgh completely overhauled the roster with nine new starters.
The biggest name joining the Steelers is Aaron Rodgers. The 41-year-old quarterback chose Pittsburgh to close out his legendary career, giving Mike Tomlin’s team a legitimate Super Bowl window. However, as camp continues, one glaring issue remains: this team desperately needs another reliable wide receiver.
Why Could Amari Cooper Be the Solution to Pittsburgh’s Receiver Problem?
Pittsburgh thought they had the receiver room figured out. They brought in DK Metcalf early in the offseason, and still had George Pickens on the roster. While it initially appeared to be an exciting partnership, Pickens’ ongoing attitude issues ultimately led to Pittsburgh trading him to the Dallas Cowboys. This leaves the team without a clear WR2.
Calvin Austin III remains inconsistent, Robert Woods is past his prime, and Roman Wilson stays unproven after missing his rookie year due to injuries. Rodgers can still sling it, but without dependable targets on the outside, his options become limited. That’s where one player on the free agent market could solve the Steelers’ dilemma.
Amari Cooper has been on the free agent market longer than most expected. The five-time Pro Bowler may not be at his peak anymore, but Cooper can’t be ignored just yet. In 2024, Cooper posted 44 receptions, 547 yards, and four touchdowns. While those don’t look like WR1 numbers, remember that Cooper split the season between Cleveland and Buffalo.
One year ago, @AmariCooper9 was traded to the Cowboys.
He’s done nothing but cook CBs in Dallas 🔥 (via @NFL pic.twitter.com/6dnNp86SiE
— ESPN (@espn) October 22, 2019
Despite the split season, Cooper still found the end zone and made plays when it mattered most. Two seasons back, Cooper racked up 1,250 yards and looked every bit the elite receiver he’s been since entering the league. Across stops in Oakland, Dallas, Cleveland, and Buffalo, Cooper has consistently shown his ability to separate, run crisp routes, and make contested catches.
That’s exactly what Rodgers needs on his roster. Cooper doesn’t have to be the 1,200-yard guy anymore, but he needs to be the player Rodgers trusts on third down, in the red zone, and when the game hangs in the balance. Stylistically, Cooper’s approach fits Pittsburgh perfectly. He’s cerebral, smooth, and low-maintenance.
What Makes Cooper’s Experience Perfect for Rodgers?
Cooper brings serious credentials to the table. Over 154 career games, he’s hauled in 711 receptions for 10,033 yards and 64 touchdowns while averaging 14.1 yards per catch. He’s crossed the 1,000-yard mark six times, made five Pro Bowls, and proven himself as a deep threat with a 90-yard reception on his resume. Cooper remains one of the few receivers in the league with over 10,000 receiving yards, and Pittsburgh could put that experience to work immediately.
.@AmariCooper9 put up a career-high 226 yards, 11 catches and one INCREDIBLE spin move. 🤩@dallascowboys | #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/i6I6OPalsJ
— NFL (@NFL) October 7, 2019
This represents a stark contrast to the unpredictability of Pickens and Metcalf. Rodgers thrives when working with veterans who know exactly where they need to be and when they need to be there. Cooper’s route-running precision and experience in high-pressure moments offer exactly those qualities. With Pittsburgh going all-in this year, Cooper represents the missing piece they need.
With a defense anchored by T.J. Watt and Jalen Ramsey, plus Rodgers leading the offense, the time to take risks is now. If Pittsburgh wants Rodgers to finish his career the right way, they need one more sure-handed target. Signing Cooper might just be the final move that transforms the Steelers from playoff hopefuls into legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
