After an offseason where they stayed mostly quiet and out of the spotlight, the Las Vegas Raiders have found themselves in the headlines over the past few days.
One of the biggest news stories in the NFL at the moment is Jakobi Meyers requesting a trade, as he seeks to leave the Raiders’ organization after not receiving the contract extension he was hoping for.
Meyers was slated to be one of the top targets in this offense in 2025, being a steady veteran for Geno Smith to throw to.
That could all change over the next few weeks if a deal is not reached, leaving the Raiders in a potentially compromising position moving forward.
While losing Meyers would be suboptimal, the Raiders wasted no time in coming up with a contingency plan.
Ian Rapoport recently reported on X that the team struck a deal with Amari Cooper, bringing him back to the team that drafted him with the No. 4 overall pick in 2015.
Reunion: Former #Bills WR Amari Cooper, one of the NFL’s top free agents still available, is signing with the #Raiders on a 1-year deal, per source.
Some late, big-time pass-catching help for the team that once drafted him in the first round. pic.twitter.com/pWCjmWzCmv
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 25, 2025
Cooper is a former Biletnikoff Award winner, a player who had a lot of success at the collegiate and NFL levels.
He was a Pro Bowler as recently as 2023, putting up a career high in yards with the Cleveland Browns that season.
With this Meyers uncertainty, Cooper could fly up the depth chart, being a top target for Smith, even if Meyers eventually signs a deal.
Any wide receiver, regardless of contract or previous play, will have to compete for targets with second-year tight end Brock Bowers, who had an excellent season in 2024.
