Amari Cooper’s shocking announcement after signing with Raiders
On the same day wide receiver Jakobi Meyers asked the Las Vegas Raiders to trade him, the team surprised everyone by bringing back veteran wideout Amari Cooper. Unfortunately for Las Vegas, that reunion was short-lived.
In a shocking twist, days after signing with the team that drafted him, Cooper told the Raiders that he’ll be retiring from the NFL, according to ESPN’s Ryan McFadden.
Wide receiver Amari Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowl selection, has informed the Las Vegas Raiders that he intends to retire just days before the team opens the 2025 season at New England.
Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly reacted to the news on Thursday, expressing disappointment that he didn’t get to work with the five-time Pro Bowler during the 2025 campaign.
“It’s unfortunate because I think he’s a heck of a football player,” Kelly said. “… But he knows in his heart what he wants to do, so I wish him the best.”
This surprising announcement by Cooper puts the Raiders in a bit of a bind because they already have a disgruntled wideout in Meyers and will be starting rookie Dont’e Thornton. Veteran newcomer Geno Smith might have some trouble getting the passing game going while leaning heavily on star tight end Brock Bowers.
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It’ll be interesting to see how this impacts the Raiders moving forward and if the team tries to bring in another wide receiver or elevate one of their current players. It could also prompt the team to finalize a deal with Meyers.
