As a collective unit, there is not much that scares opposing defenses in the New York Jets receiving corps besides Garrett Wilson.
Outside of the 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year, New York has many different receivers competing for playing time throughout OTAs and training camp in the next few months.
How bad would it be for the Jets to add an additional receiver?
According to ESPN, there’s a five-time Pro Bowler who remains available that would be an excellent fit for the team’s offensive plans in 2025.
Amari Cooper’s Fit in New York
In an article written by ESPN’s Matt Bowen regarding some of the best fits for the remaining free agents, the Jets were seen as a solid team for the likes of veteran receiver Aamari Cooper.
“There’s a need for competition in the Jets’ wide receiver room opposite of No. 1 option Garrett Wilson,” Bowen said. “With Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds next on the depth chart, Cooper could come in and fight for work. Yes, the 30-year-old is showing signs of decline on tape, but he is still a detailed route runner who can uncover.
“He could be a solid target for quarterback Justin Fields on play-action concepts, getting open on deep in-breakers.”
At the height of his career, Cooper was one of the most consistent players in the league. He was a five-time Pro Bowler for the Oakland Raiders, Dallas Cowboys, and Cleveland Browns.
Now 30 years old, though, it’s pretty clear Cooper is not who he once was.
Despite two straight 1,000-yard seasons in Cleveland from 2022-23, Cooper had a disastrous 2024 campaign for the Browns and Bills that called into question whether he is still a receiver who can be a dependable option in the passing attack. Across 11 regular season and playoff games for Buffalo, Cooper recorded just 338 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
When it comes to the Jets, their current offensive structure doesn’t necessarily need a player like Cooper at this point.
Jets Wide Receiver Needs
The reality is that the Jets don’t need a second receiver as badly as some fans may believe. New York is going to be a run-first offense.
Anytime they do throw the football, the targets will be schemed for Wilson, second-round tight end Mason Taylor, and their trio of running backs. Anything the team can get from other receivers will be a bonus.
There will be fans opposed to that idea. They will argue that the good teams in the NFL always have two quality receiving threats. Those people ignore what the Jets’ philosophy is going to be in 2025.
With Fields as the starting quarterback, Gang Green is going to be focused on running the football over anything else. By that mark, there won’t be enough targets to go to a consistent second receiver; at least, not enough to justify the price that Cooper could command.
When Fields was the starter for both the Bears and Steelers, the team targeted tight ends at a heavy rate. They also focused their passing efforts on one central receiving threat outside of those tight ends.
It’s a safe bet to assume that New York will have a similar philosophy going into 2025. That makes the need for a player like Cooper minimal.
