Why Raiders' New Addition Is a Major Piece

The Las Vegas Raiders have added veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper to their roster, and he should play a key role.

September 10, 2018; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) runs the football against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders made a massive move on Monday. The Raiders signed veteran wide receiver Amari Cooper. Cooper was a free agent at the end of last season and has been wanting all offseason long to get signed. Now Cooper will reunite with the Raiders, who drafted him back in the 2015 NFL Draft, with the 4th overall pick. Now, Cooper will bring his veteran presence back to the Silver and Black.

Free-agent WR Amari Cooper is returing to the Raiders on a one-year deal, per source.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 25, 2025

This is a good move for the Raiders. Cooper gives the Raiders a leader in a wide receiving room that is full of young, talented players. Cooper is still a good wide receiver in the NFL, and now he will be paired with a good veteran quarterback in Geno Smith. Cooper will get in the mix in this Raiders offense, and it is going to be important for him to learn the play book as well. But being the veteran that he is, Cooper can learn it quickly.

Amari Cooper

Cooper has spent 10 years in the NFL with the Raiders, Cowboys, Browns, and Bills. In seven of his ten seasons, he has at least passed the 1,000-yard mark. Now Cooper will come in with the Silver and Black and get custom to the new Raiders regime and offense. It is going to be interesting to see how long it takes for Cooper to get comfortable with the offense and become a factor for this team.

This move was major also because on Monday, Raiders No. 1 wide receiver Jakobi Meyers requested a trade from the team. Meyers has not been happy about his contract situation. Meyers has been seeking a contract all offseason long. The Raiders and Meyers have not been able to come to an agreement.

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (18) against the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

WR Room Moves

Aug 23, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (16) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Now with the Cooper signing, we will see what the Raiders do about Meyers. The Raiders are less than two weeks from the start of the season. The Raiders will travel to the East Coast to take on the New England Patriots to open up the season.

Last season, Cooper spent time with the Browns and Bills. He had 44 catches, 547 yards, and four touchdowns. In 2023, Cooper was a Pro Bowl selection and had the most receiving yards in his career.

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