Amari Cooper: Raiders Trade| Career Earnings| Fantasy football

1. Raiders Trade: A Homecoming in 2025

In an unexpected twist, Amari Cooper is set to return to the franchise that first drafted him. On August 25, 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders signed Cooper to a one-year deal valued at approximately $5 million, reuniting the veteran wide receiver with the team that originally selected him fourth overall in the 2015 NFL Draft.

This move comes amid a roster shakeup. Jakobi Meyers, a current starter, is reportedly seeking a trade, which potentially opens up significant playing time for Cooper. Coming off a disappointing 2024 season split between the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills, where he posted career lows—44 receptions, 547 yards, and 4 touchdowns over 14 games—Cooper will be looking to reclaim some of his former spark in the Raiders’ offense.

2. Career Earnings: A Ten-Figure Payday

Amari Cooper’s NFL journey has been financially lucrative. According to Spotrac, his career earnings currently stand at approximately $136.69 million Spotrac. OverTheCap offers a slightly different total of $136.59 million, but both reflect his high earning history, supported by substantial guarantees—Up to $165.33 million—and notable cap figures, such as a $23.78 million cap number in 2023.

Key contract milestones include:

• 2020: Signed with the Dallas Cowboys on a 5-year, $100 million deal, with an $10 million signing bonus and $40 million guaranteed, averaging $20 million per season.

• 2024: His final year under the Cowboys deal; but previously, with Cleveland in 2022, the Browns guaranteed him $20 million for that season—half of it via signing bonus.

• 2024 performance: Limited impact with only 44-547-4 stat line, reflecting a career decline.

3. Fantasy Football Outlook: Revival or Relic?

For fantasy football players, Cooper’s return to Las Vegas presents both upside and risk.

Positives:

• Vacated Target Opportunities: With Meyers possibly departing, Cooper suddenly becomes a leading option in a thin wide receiver room, featuring rookies like Tre Tucker, Jack Bech, and Dont’e Thornton.

• Improved Scenario over 2024: His previous season was marred by limited snaps and usage. In Buffalo, he played just over 50% of snaps and struggled to consistently get involved in the passing game.

• FantasyPros 2025 Outlook: Lists Cooper as a possible late-round fantasy draft consideration—useful as a flex or depth pick if Meyers moves on.

Cautions:

• Declining Production: His 2024 fantasy output ranked poorly—WR46 early on—with underwhelming per-game yardage and target share.

• Age and Durability Concerns: At 31 years old, his peak years are behind him, and durability remains a question.

• Uncertainty in Role: If Meyers stays, Cooper’s role could diminish significantly, limiting fantasy upside.

Consensus:

Amari Cooper is a high-variance fantasy option in 2025. If Meyers is traded, he could emerge as a mid-tier receiver with fluctuating performance. If not, he should likely be avoided in most drafts.

4. Career Recap & Legacy

Beyond recent developments, here’s a holistic look at Cooper’s career trajectory:

• College Legacy: A standout at Alabama, Cooper won the Biletnikoff Award (2014), earned unanimous All-American honors, and was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year.

• Rookie Impact: Drafted in 2015 by Oakland, Cooper became the first Raiders rookie to surpass 1,000 receiving yards, setting franchise rookie records in receptions and yards.

• Pro Bowl Appearances: A five-time Pro Bowler (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2023) with stints at the Raiders, Cowboys, and Browns.

• Trades:

  • 2018: Moved from Raiders to Dallas Cowboys, where he regained form and Pro Bowl status.

  • 2022: Swapped to the Cleveland Browns, where he posted a career-best 1,250 receiving yards.

  • 2024: Mid-season shift to the Buffalo Bills before becoming a free agent.

5. Key Takeaways

Essential Sections Recap:

1. Raiders Trade: Signed a one-year, ~$5M deal in August 2025, returning to original team amid Meyers drama.

2. Career Earnings: Accumulated ~$136M over his career, with substantial guarantees and high-paying deals across multiple teams.

3. Fantasy Value: High-risk, high-reward. Success hinges on Meyers’ trade status. Potential late-round sleeper.

4. Career Summary: College star, impactful rookie, Pro Bowler across franchises, significant trades, fluctuating performance.