One of the top wide receivers and free agent Amari Cooper is still available on the market but should sign soon with a contender. Cooper is on every top free agent list across several sources but, oddly, he’s still available. Even though the Buffalo Bills are open to bringing back the wide receiver, the team hasn’t made the steps to re-sign him to a new contract. It’s an interesting storyline to follow here this offseason as the former Pro Bowler is entering age 30 and his prime days are almost behind him.
Originally selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the former Alabama product came into the league as one of the better pass catchers beginning his career with the Las Vegas Raiders. The wide receiver recorded back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and two Pro Bowl appearances in his rookie and sophomore campaigns. Cooper was slow to get anything going in his third year with them leading to a trade to the Dallas Cowboys becoming the prime target for Dak Prescott’s offense. Cooper was the best receiver on that team since the Dez Bryant days before losing his touch following the emergence of CeeDee Lamb.
The veteran went to the Browns and despite having a low-quality quarterback, it didn’t stop him from recording high-end numbers. Cooper couldn’t get much going last season after suffering an injury since his trade midseason hoping for a Super Bowl opportunity. It might be the injury that’s holding any team from pursuing him but when healthy, he’s one of the best pass-catchers out there. These two contenders could bank on the opportunity and sign him to a one-year deal.
Panthers, Chiefs Could Take a Leap on Top 3 NFL Free Agent Amari Cooper
Rebuilding the Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are solid on the offensive side after establishing two wide receivers that have plenty of promise. After bringing quarterback Bryce Young back to life, the Panthers have a good chance of having a better 2025 season but that can’t happen without adding another capable veteran. Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker are the future of this passing game that will help Young grow but if they want to see results, they should give Cooper a chance. The wide receiver has been a part of a rebuilding team before and he could do the same with the Panthers who are still in those stages.
Head Coach Dave Canales could fit Cooper and veteran Adam Thielen as two wide receivers who could rotate in that department. Bryce Young won’t get far without some pass catchers who have experience. Cooper might not be the same but if he can stay healthy, the Panthers aren’t losing anything if they bank on him for a one-year contract.
Super Bowl Hero?
The Kansas City Chiefs are entering the 2025 season with a weird dilemma at the wide receiver position. Despite re-signing Marquise Brown, it might be enough firepower for Patrick Mahomes. The quarterback didn’t have the best season to his standards even though the team only lost one game. However, depending on what happens with Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice, the team may need another wideout.
Both of those weapons are one off-field issue away from suspension and the Chiefs can’t risk betting on them both. Cooper stays out of trouble so they should give him an opportunity who has a lot of upside and a humble spirit that can fit well in Kansas City.
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