Raiders Bring Back Former Receiver Amari Cooper

The Las Vegas Raiders are reuniting with a former player. Per NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the Raiders are signing Amari Cooper to a one year contract. Cooper was an original first round pick by the Raiders, who was then moved to the Dallas Cowboys. This move comes as a surprise, but is nice depth to the receiver room.

Raiders, Cooper Reunite

Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that Amari Cooper would return to the Raiders. The breakup was a bit sour and it was evident that Cooper didn’t want to be a Raider. But that’s revisionist history and he once again will don the Silver and Black. Dust off the old jerseys folks.

Cooper was a successful Raider and gave fans some of the best memories possible. The connection with former quarterback Derek Carr was sensational, as AC/DC was in full force. Cooper posted two straight 1,000+ yard seasons and emerged as a true number one threat. His speed and route running made him special.

Since the trade, he has been on three different teams. He went to the Cowboys, where he had success immediately with two straight 1,000 yard seasons. Furthermore, he was even an impact on the Browns for the first two years, reaching the 1,000 yard mark twice. 2024 was a down year, having just 547 yards combined between the Browns and Bills. This move provides a fresh start and in an offense that can utilize his strengths. But it comes at a strange time.

Raiders Jakobi Meyers Requests Trade

As good as the Raiders signing Cooper is, it comes at a strange time. Current receiver Jakobi Meyers has requested a trade from the club. He recently met with the club to tell them he wants a trade out. However, the club is not willing to move on from him, as they value him to a high degree. Meyers just had a 1,000 yard season and is a key part of the Raiders offense. The Raiders wide receiver room is crowded and even more so now with Cooper coming in.

This all comes down to money and a contract. Is Meyers just using this as leverage? Or does he really want out so he can get paid? I’d love to believe it’s leverage because it’s a business after all. Meyers has tried to negotiate a deal with the Raiders but the two sides have yet to come to an agreement. Maybe it’ll come in time, but it definitely makes you wonder.

End of the day, the Raiders signing Cooper is a nice touch and adds depth to the room that has lots of young talent. It gives Geno Smith more to work with and an offense that may need to carry the load for the Raiders.