What Amari Cooper Could Bring to Steelers
Cooper would bring more experience and depth to a receiving corps in Pittsburgh that already has a lot of experience. That’s another way of saying the Steelers’ receiver group is on the older side.
DK Metcalf and Robert Woods will both be at least 28 years old by the end of the season.
But the Steelers adding Cooper might not be off the table because the team could use more proven depth. Calvin Austin III emerged as a viable option last season, and he will return for the Steelers in the slot. But the WR4 role could fall to Roman Wilson, who has played just one NFL game.
Cooper began his career as the No. 4 overall pick to the then Oakland Raiders in 2015. He played three and a half seasons for the Raiders before getting traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
Cooper made the Pro Bowl during each of his first two seasons in Dallas.
The Cowboys traded Cooper to the Browns during 2022 free agency. His 1,250 receiving yards in Cleveland during 2023 set a new career high.
Cooper was dealt for a third time at the NFL trade deadline last year. In eight games with the Bills, the veteran wideout posted 20 catches, 297 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Steelers WR Depth Entering Training Camp
While Amari Cooper is an intriguing potential addition for Pittsburgh, there are several reasons why it’s not likely to happen.
Despite his inexperience, the Steelers have high expectations for Wilson. The team drafted him in the third round of 2024. Wilson only played one game as a rookie because of injuries.
Signing Cooper would stunt Wilson’s development because it wouldn’t allow the second-year receiver much playing time.
Cooper might also not have much left in the tank. While his best statistical season was just two years ago, his 547 yards in 14 games last season set a new career low.
Now in his early 30s, Cooper may only continue to decline.
This offseason, the Steelers re-signed veterans Scotty Miller and Ben Skowronek. Each will provide experience and depth without stunting the development of Austin and Wilson. Skowronek is also a significant special teams contributor.
The Steelers possess Brandon Johnson, Lance McCutcheon, Roc Taylor, Ke’Shawn Williams and Montana Lemonious-Craig on the offseason roster at receiver as well.
