Lack of NFL free agency options for former Alabama Crimson Tide legend continues to confirm what many of his detractors have believed
It feels like just yesterday that former Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper was one of the more productive pass catchers in the NFL. In fact, it was just in the 2023 season when Cooper put together arguably his best overall year. During that campaign for the Cleveland Browns, Cooper earned his fifth Pro Bowl honor […]
It feels like just yesterday that former Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper was one of the more productive pass catchers in the NFL. In fact, it was just in the 2023 season when Cooper put together arguably his best overall year. During that campaign for the Cleveland Browns, Cooper earned his fifth Pro Bowl honor after hauling in 72 receptions for 1,250 yards and five touchdowns.
A lot of expectations were set for Cooper and the Browns in 2024 coming off of a playoff berth. It quickly became a season to forget for the former Crimson Tide star. A wrist injury limited his effectiveness, and Cooper had a major issue with dropped passes, and Cleveland was a bad football team overrun with injuries.
After six games, the Browns decided to move on from Cooper. He was traded to the Buffalo Bills, viewed as a major piece to help push Josh Allen and the team over the top. It ended up being a major dud, and Cooper ended that eight-game stretch with the Bills with just 20 receptions for 297 yards and two touchdowns.
Now a free agent again, and soon to be 31 years old, the market is nonexistent right now for Cooper. The lack of demand speaks volumes for the downward trend we saw from Cooper this past season. He looked like a shell of his former self, and many believe Cooper is nearing the end.
Cooper was originally the No. 4 overall selection by the Oakland Raiders in the 2015 NFL Draft. He spent three and a half seasons with the franchise, ending that chapter of his career with 225 receptions for 3,183 yards and 19 touchdowns. Cooper would then spend a successful time with the Dallas Cowboys before ending up in Cleveland.
Before beginning his NFL career, Cooper enjoyed a legendary stretch as a part of the Alabama program. In just three seasons, he hauled in 228 catches for 3,463 yards and 31 touchdowns. Cooper was selected as the 2014 SEC Offensive Player of the Year, and a unanimous All-American.
Lack of NFL free agency interest in former Alabama star confirms worst suspicions from critics
Nick Saban's Alabama Crimson Tide program was known to produce reliable, hard-working, pro-ready players throughout his tenure. It wasn't often that one of his prospects got to the NFL, and they simply lacked the discipline and personality needed to succeed at the next level. Some prospects never worked out, but Jedrick Wills Jr.'s journey has […]
