Amari Cooper, Buffalo Bills
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Former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper reacting in the middle of an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks.
The New York Jets dodged a major bullet.
Rumored Jets free agency target, Amari Cooper, abruptly retired from the NFL. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport shared on Thursday, September 4, that Cooper “informed the team that he no longer has the desire to play and intends to retire.”
The former Alabama product signed with the Las Vegas Raiders at the end of training camp.
Comeback no more: #Raiders WR Amari Cooper has informed the team that he no longer has the desire to play and intends to retire, per The Insiders.
Cooper had signed at the end of camp in a hopeful reunion with the team that drafted. Now, he’s headed home from Las Vegas. pic.twitter.com/jEZHPHBPBq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 4, 2025
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Jets Were Often Connected to Cooper Throughout the Offseason
On April 2, former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert viewed the Jets as a “landing spot” for Cooper in the latter stages of free agency.
A month later, Kevin Patra of the NFL Media Group listed the Jets as a top landing spot for Cooper on May 1.
The Jets’ need for a WR2 opposite of Garrett Wilson has been well-documented this offseason. Cooper, at least according to analysts, was one of the most discussed potential solutions to that problem.
“Amari Cooper had been struggling to ramp up since re-signing last week with the team that drafted him. Now, three days before the opener, the five-time Pro Bowl receiver walks away at age 31,” NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero added.
Amari Cooper had been struggling to ramp up since re-signing last week with the team that drafted him. Now, three days before the opener, the five-time Pro Bowl receiver walks away at age 31. https://t.co/bKAvyzxish
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 4, 2025
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Cooper Displayed Signs of Struggle Last Season
Cooper, 31, had the worst season of his career in 2024. He spent the first half of the season with the Cleveland Browns and the second half with the Buffalo Bills after a big trade.
Cooper finished with a career low in receptions (44), receiving yards (547), and touchdowns (four).
What some thought was simply a blip on the radar proved to be troubling signs of where that ship was headed.
The Jets have serious questions beyond Wilson at wide receiver, but clearly Cooper wouldn’t have helped that problem. Gang Green dodged a huge bullet by avoiding the five-time Pro Bowler.
Jets Riding With WRs They Have Got on the Roster
For better or for worse, the Jets are riding with their guys. Ahead of the season opener, the Jets aren’t expected to make a wide receiver addition.
Pittsburgh is facing similar criticism from fans and media analysts. The Steelers have a top-flight wide receiver in DK Metcalf, but not much beyond him.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin explained this week why the WR2 conversation in the NFL is overblown.
Hey #Jets fans feel better#Steelers HC Mike Tomlin explained why the WR2 narrative in an offense is overrated & overblown. 🤷🏽
🎥 @steelers #HereWeGo #PITvsNYJ #JetUp
LINK: https://t.co/uc1hVQ5f9M pic.twitter.com/7gySR7Vi6F
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) September 3, 2025
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