Despite signing a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders a couple of days ago, wide receiver Amari Cooper abruptly retires from the league before the 2025 season kicks off this weekend. According to the breaking news, the former top free agent has told the Raiders that he will be retiring and has no plans to play anymore as of now. Originally selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the former Alabama product was looking forward to rejuvenating his career with the Raiders after having a down year with the Buffalo Bills while battling injuries. However, it looks like it’s catching up to him, so that might be a reason why he’s stepping away, but it shouldn’t be a surprise if he ends up unretiring from the league.
After being a reliable receiver from his first stint as a Raider in 2015, the wideout, like any NFL athlete, has expectations of a championship. Through recording back-to-back campaigns of 1,000 receiving yards and five Pro Bowls, the wide receiver might be far from over, and he might be willing to come out of retirement if a contender needs his help. Cooper continued to thrive as a capable offensive weapon with the Dallas Cowboys and even the Cleveland Browns despite the circumstances of the Browns having an inadequate quarterback situation. With a Super Bowl ring left to be accomplished for the once standout wideout, here are three teams that might bring him out of retirement.
Former NFL Top Free Agent Amari Cooper Shockingly Retires – 3 Teams Could Intervene
Next Possible Teams
Dallas Cowboys
Despite losing Jonathan Mingo for a couple of games due to a brutal injury, the Dallas Cowboys still have arguably one of the best pass catchers in the league. The trade for George Pickens was much needed to determine whether or not he fits into this offense to give CeeDee Lamb some relief in the aerial attack. They can’t afford Dak Prescott to lean on Lamb and tight end Jake Ferguson forever, so it’s never a bad idea to get another wide receiver.
While Cooper is retired, he wouldn’t rule out the idea of returning to Dallas for one more year. The Cowboys are trying to win sooner rather than later despite the Micah Parsons trade, so Cooper joining a potentially struggling offense during the midseason might make sense to boost the momentum.
Washington Commanders
Meanwhile, head coach Dan Quinn can strike again and bring in a former Cowboy to join him in Washington. After getting Dorance Armstrong, Tyler Biadasz and Dante Fowler Jr., the coach knows the pieces that exceeded his expectations, and he might view Cooper the same. If the Commanders can’t land Kendrick Bourne on a deal after his visit, they might try to target Cooper in the long run, right before the playoffs start, if they find themselves there again.
Los Angeles Chargers
However, the Los Angeles Chargers are in dire need of another pass-catcher. Despite signing Keenan Allen to a one-year deal, the team could use some bolstering in their wide receiver unit since Quentin Johnston hasn’t exceeded expectations, and guys like KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Tre Harris are still developing. With that, why not get Cooper, who might be in his prime anymore boost the ranks of this offense and pair with Allen while Ladd McConkey focuses on the slot routes?
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