The wide receiver market got a lot more interesting across the NFL in the days leading up to free agency getting underway.
DK Metcalf requested a trade from the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle released veteran Tyler Lockett, and the New England Patriots jumped the line to acquire Christian Kirk by landing him in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Still, there are several accomplished veterans available ahead of the market opening, including the likes of Chris Godwin, Stefon Diggs, and DeAndre Hopkins at the top of the market. But, there’s at least one receiver that NFL teams should be cautious about handing a big-money contract to.
Why Teams Should Avoid an Amari Cooper Mega-Deal
Amari Cooper
Oct 20, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (18) warms up before a game against the Tennessee Titans at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
While Amari Cooper is one of the premier receivers available, there are plenty of reasons for teams to be cautious about handing a top-of-market contract to the soon-to-be 31-year-old.
ESPN’s Seth Walder put together a list of the most overrated free agents about to hit the market, with Cooper topping the list among receivers.
“I’m inclined to be bearish on Cooper going forward,” Walder writes for ESPN. “Simply because he’s a 31-year-old receiver coming off a poor season. There’s a good chance he’ll never approach his 2023 form, when he made the Pro Bowl after catching 72 passes for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns.
“Advanced numbers indicate a decline, too. Since 2020, Cooper’s open score in ESPN’s receiver scores has steadily dropped, going from 64 to 58 to 54 to 46 to 39 this season. And his overall score of 23 was tied for eighth-worst among wide receivers.”
Cooper certainly did not look rejuvenated during his stint with Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills, catching only 20 passes for 297 yards and a pair of touchdowns in eight games last season.
In the right situation, perhaps Cooper could be a solid No. 2 option for a team that has a quarterback capable of stretching the field in the vertical passing game, but, the 10-year-veteran is going to need to prove he’s capable not only of creating separation but of producing some big plays in order to live up to the contract he’s potentially about to sign.
Oct 15, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) runs with the ball after a catch as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (2) defends during the second half at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) runs with the ball after a catch as San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (2) defends during the second half at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
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