GLENDALE – Things are heating up for a possible major move for the Arizona Cardinals. Since the end of last season, the Cardinals have been one of the teams linked to five-time Pro-Bowler Amari Cooper. The 30-year-old is coming off a down year, where he had a career-low in receiving yards, catches, and touchdowns. Even after finding his way to a contender in the Buffalo Bills, Cooper couldn’t find his footing. Cooper is now a free agent with the market dry after his worst season to date, but could the Cardinals be the team to revive him?
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Nov 5, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Amari Cooper (2) catches a touchdown pass as Arizona Cardinals cornerback Antonio Hamilton Sr. (33) defends during the second quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Cooper is only two seasons removed from a 1,250 receiving yards season with the Browns. The former Alabama wide receiver is still capable of those great heights again. One of those believers is Nick Shook, a writer for NFL.com, who detailed why Cooper ending up in Arizona makes sense.
Shook on why Cooper to Cardinals works:
“If he can’t make a difference in an offense led by NFL MVP Josh Allen , where can he? This is why it comes down to fit, and while I’d like to send every receiver to Seattle, Cleveland or Las Vegas, none of them felt quite right for Cooper. Let’s instead move him to Arizona, where he can get open for Kyler Murray and become the trusted, experienced target Murray needs on third down. He might be able to help Marvin Harrison Jr. get his trajectory on a better track, too.”
Shook believes Cooper is the perfect player to pair with young superstar wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to reach his full potential. Harrison had a stellar rookie season, but compared to the rest of the wide receiver class, many label his season disappointing. Adding Cooper gives Harrison Jr. a veteran presence to learn and grow into a Pro Bowler.
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
The Cardinals wide receiver room could use some firepower, with Harrison Jr. the only marquee name on the depth chart. General manager Monti Ossenfort re-signed Zay Jones and has a tender on restricted free agent Greg Dortch, so if Cooper doesn’t end up in Arizona, the team has a backup plan.
However, the addition of Cooper would not only help Harrison Jr.’s development but also add another weapon for quarterback Kyler Murray, who has struggled to find a consistent number-one option since the departure of DeAndre Hopkins. Cooper can fill right in on a discount for a team with aspirations of competing.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
