Amari Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, has had a storied NFL career, but recent developments suggest that his time as a top-tier talent may be waning. Despite his impressive resume, the track record of his team acquisitions paints a less-than-stellar picture, and now, as a free agent at 31, the NFL seems to be sending a clear message.
A History of Disappointing Moves
The Dallas Cowboys’ 2019 trade for Cooper was a high-profile move that promised to elevate their offense. While it showed flashes of potential, it ultimately fell short of expectations—close, but no cigar. Later, Dallas traded him to the Cleveland Browns, where his tenure was similarly underwhelming. The Browns, in turn, moved him to the Buffalo Bills in a 2024 midseason deal, hoping he’d be a game-changer for Joe Brady’s offense. Unfortunately, that experiment also failed to deliver.
Cooper’s time in Buffalo was marred by challenges. Arriving midseason, he struggled to integrate into the new system, and an injury further hampered his ability to make an impact. His stat line with the Bills was lackluster: 297 yards and two touchdowns on 20 receptions across eight regular-season games. His postseason performance was even more telling, with just 41 yards on six receptions over three playoff games, including moments where he was essentially benched. Most glaringly, in six of his eight games with Buffalo—playing alongside MVP-caliber quarterback Josh Allen—Cooper managed 12 or fewer receiving yards.
The NFL Moves On
Now a free agent for months, Cooper has seen little interest from teams across the league, even those with a clear need at wide receiver. The Cowboys, who once relied on him, opted to trade for George Pickens to bolster their receiving corps. The Bills, meanwhile, signed Joshua Palmer and later Elijah Moore—Cooper’s former teammate in Cleveland, who once played a supporting role to him. These moves speak volumes about the league’s perception of Cooper’s current value.
Media outlets like USA Today have expressed puzzlement at the lack of interest, noting, “He offers a veteran presence and consistency for a team searching for a proven player to add to their receiving room.” Fans and analysts may see Cooper as a reliable veteran, but the NFL’s actions—or lack thereof—tell a different story.
A Damning Assessment
Perhaps the most striking commentary comes from one of Cooper’s former coaches. NFL insider Matthew Berry of NBC Sports shared a blunt assessment on X, quoting the coach: “Amari is done. That’s not me talking. That’s from an offensive coach of a former team of his I spoke to at the combine.” This candid remark underscores a growing sentiment within the league.
The Cowboys, in particular, were familiar with what some called Cooper’s “shrinkage”—his tendency to fall short in critical moments. His lack of production in Buffalo only reinforced this narrative, raising questions about whether he can still perform at an elite level.
What’s Next for Cooper?
As Cooper turns 31 this month, the NFL’s reluctance to sign him suggests a shift in how teams view his potential. While he’s not officially “done,” the lack of interest from teams—combined with his recent performance and the pointed words of a former coach—paints a challenging picture. Unless a team faces a roster crisis due to injury during training camp, Cooper’s immediate future in the league remains uncertain.
The numbers and the moves don’t lie. While Amari Cooper’s legacy as a five-time Pro Bowler is secure, the NFL seems to be signaling that his days as a difference-maker may be behind him.