Jets predicted to sign 5-time Pro Bowl wide receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson
Context:
The New York Jets have made significant changes following a disappointing 2024 season, including ending the Aaron Rodgers experiment and signing Justin Fields as a free agent. The team also bolstered their roster through free agency and the draft, adding players like cornerback Brandon Stephens, safety Andre Cisco, center Josh Myers, and offensive tackle Armand Membou. Despite these additions, the Jets still have a gap at wide receiver opposite Garrett Wilson, and Amari Cooper, a free agent with a proven track record, is suggested as a potential signing. Cooper's past performance includes five Pro Bowl selections and over 1,000 yards in seven seasons, though his production declined in 2024. At 31, while not at his peak, Cooper's skills and experience could provide a reliable target for Fields and mentorship for younger receivers.
Dive Deeper:
The Jets made significant roster changes by ending their experiment with Aaron Rodgers and bringing in Justin Fields as a free agent to lead the team, aiming for a fresh start after a disappointing 2024 season.
Additions to the team through free agency included cornerback Brandon Stephens, safety Andre Cisco, and center Josh Myers, enhancing both their defensive and offensive lines.
In the 2025 NFL draft, the Jets selected offensive tackle Armand Membou in the first round and Mason Taylor as a tight end in the second round, addressing key positions with promising talent.
Despite these changes, the Jets still face a critical need for a strong wide receiver to complement Garrett Wilson, as the departure of Davante Adams left a significant gap.
Amari Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, is identified as a strong candidate to fill this gap, potentially strengthening the Jets' offense with his experience and skill set.
Although Cooper's performance in 2024 was his least productive, ending with only 547 yards and four touchdowns, his career achievements and route-running ability make him an attractive option.
At 31, Cooper's ability to mentor young receivers and provide a reliable target for Fields could be invaluable, even as his peak performance years might be behind him.
The New York Jets have undergone some big changes this offseason after enduring a disappointing 2024 campaign.
For starters, the team ended the Aaron Rodgers experiment and opted to bring in Justin Fields as a free agent. Additionally, the team added other quality free agents like cornerback Brandon Stephens, safety Andre Cisco, and center Josh Myers.
In the 2025 NFL draft, the team added intriguing offensive tackle prospect Armand Membou in the first round. In the second, the team then added Mason Taylor, who should immediately slot in as the starting tight end.
The team made some other solid draft picks as well, like corner Azareye'h Thomas and safety Malachi Moore.
Now, with free agency and the draft behind us, the team's roster should be largely set. However, there are some holes that could still be filled, including at wide receiver opposite Garrett Wilson.
Wes Roesch of A to Z Sports recently identified Amari Cooper as a remaining free agent who should interest the Jets. Cooper is among the best remaining options at the position and has excelled at multiple stops in his career.
Regarding Cooper and the Jets, Roesch offered the following:
The Jets lost Davante Adams in the offseason, and now there's not much beyond Garrett Wilson in the wide receiver room. They drafted Arian Smith in the fourth round and adjusted Allen Lazard's contract, but adding a secondary option with a higher upside like Amari Cooper would be a significant step to make Justin Fields' life easier.
As Roesch mentioned, Cooper would be a welcomed addition to a team that lacks established pass-catchers. If Fields is going to have success at his third NFL stop in three years, he'll need all the help he can get.
In 2024, Cooper played in six games with the Cleveland Browns before being traded to the Buffalo Bills mid-season. Cooper then played in eight games with the Bills and ended the season with a combined 44 catches for 547 yards and four touchdowns.
Overall, Cooper has earned five Pro Bowl bids during his 10-year career and has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in seven different seasons.
2024 was by far the lowest production of Cooper's career. The veteran will turn 31 before the 2025 season begins, and it appears likely that his best days are behind him.
However, Cooper is known as one of the best route-runners in the league and has sure hands. While not a top option at this point, Cooper could still be a reliable target for Fields and can help mentor the young receivers on the roster.
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