Raiders Wide Receiver Amari Cooper Retires Days Before Season Opener

Amari Cooper, a veteran wide receiver, abruptly retired from the NFL just three days before the Las Vegas Raiders' 2025 season opener, ending his brief second stint with the team. Despite signing a one-year contract worth up to $6 million with the Raiders, Cooper informed the organization that he no longer had the desire to play, surprising fans and the team alike. Cooper, who was originally drafted by the Raiders in 2015 and was a five-time Pro Bowler, had a disappointing 2024 season split between the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills with 44 receptions for 547 yards and four touchdowns. His sudden retirement leaves the Raiders in a challenging position at wide receiver, especially with Jakobi Meyers' uncertain contract situation and the reliance shifting to less proven players like Tre Tucker and rookie Jack Bech. To address the gap, the Raiders promoted wide receiver Justin Shorter from their practice squad, a player primarily used on special teams last season. The team now faces the task of reshaping their receiving corps ahead of their season opener against the New England Patriots.