The 2025 NFL season is well within our sights.
But as the countdown begins, some star free agents are still without a team. Of the bunch, Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper stick out as some of the most compelling names. These veterans’ best years may be behind them, but they could still be difference makers in the right landing spots.
With that in mind, let’s break down the potential suitors for these big-name free agent receivers and assess their best fits.
Keenan Allen
Allen was effective in limited action for Chicago last season, but became the odd man out in a receiver room and a Bears roster that is looking to get younger. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III, who both like to operate out of the slot, are likely to become focal points of the offense, making a reunion highly unlikely.
That said, there are plenty of teams that could use Allen’s savvy route running and consistent production, even if he has lost a step or two.
Best Fit: Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers finally signed their quarterback for 2025, Aaron Rodgers. If there’s one thing Rodgers loves to have in his offense, it’s veteran wideouts. While Allen isn’t one of his guys, he could easily become one.
The 33-year-old is a smart route runner who can effectively ad-lib mid-play, something that is necessary when catching passes from Rodgers. He’s also excellent out of the slot and can work the middle of the field while D.K. Metcalf handles deep routes on the outside.
Metcalf will dominate the target share in Pittsburgh, but Allen can be a safety valve and a versatile second or third option on a team that will look to go all-in in 2025.
Most Likely: Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers traded Allen to Chicago ahead of the 2024 season after 11 years with the team. In his last season in the powder blue, Allen had his best statistical season, catching 108 passes for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns. While the star wideout was “blindsided” by the trade, he hasn’t ruled out a reunion with his former team.
In fact, Allen said in November that if the Bears moved on from him, he would go “back to LA.”
https://twitter.com/BoltsDraftTalk/status/1862007628123009502
Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh was also keen on a reunion, saying it “would be cool.”
With both sides open to the idea, and the club bringing back another former receiver in Mike Williams this offseason, the signing would make a lot of sense. Plus, Harbaugh has been very open about his motivation to get the best out of Justin Herbert, so it would be logical to surround him with a familiar target.
Wild Card: Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are no strangers to veteran wide receiver signings. As a team in perpetual “win-now” mode, they are willing to take a chance on an older player to see if Patrick Mahomes can salvage a little magic in their career. Last season, it was 32-year-old DeAndre Hopkins and 28-year-old JuJu Smith-Schuster. Don’t be surprised if Allen is the next guy to take a team-friendly deal in Kansas City to go after a ring.
Allen could thrive in an Andy Reid offense that can scheme just about anyone open. The Chiefs’ wide receivers have struggled to stay healthy, with Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown missing the bulk of the 2024 season with injuries. Allen could be a valuable insurance piece for a team with Super Bowl aspirations again this year.
Amari Cooper
Cooper, almost 31, is two years younger than Allen, but finds himself at a similar spot in his career. The former first-round pick was dealt from Cleveland to Buffalo midseason, but had minimal impact for both teams.
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1863421709275247030
Across his ten-year career, Cooper has amassed over 10,000 yards playing in four different uniforms. Will he put on a fifth? Or is a reunion in order for the five-time Pro Bowler?
Best Fit: Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals need to add a receiver. Last season, their first-round draft choice Marvin Harrison Jr. struggled to live up to the lofty expectations set for him. In what was a solid rookie season, Harrison Jr. struggled to create consistent separation, a side effect of his weak supporting cast.
If Arizona adds Cooper, he can handle vertical routes, leaving Harrison Jr. with more favorable matchups on short and intermediate patterns. There is also something to be said for Cooper as a mentor for a fellow fourth overall draft pick as he navigates his early years in the league.
As an outside receiver, Cooper can stretch the field for Kyler Murray, who throws a tremendous go-ball. Murray is heading into year seven and has yet to take his team to the next level, despite his elite talent. Arizona and their quarterback would benefit from another piece alongside Harrison Jr. and 2024 breakout tight end Trey McBride.
Most Likely: Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks’ wide receiver room has already undergone some drastic changes this offseason. In early March, Seattle dealt DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh, and then signed Cooper Kupp just a few days later.
Kupp should be a great addition, especially as a mentor for 23-year-old Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has true All-Pro potential. But replacing the production of a player like Metcalf will take more than just these two.
Bringing in Cooper would allow both Kupp and Smith-Njigba to work out of the slot more often and attack the middle of the field where they do their best work. He will also be another proven weapon to support their $100 million investment in Sam Darnold.
Wild Card: Las Vegas Raiders
For some reason, the Raiders have no interest in rebuilding.
They just hired 73-year-old Pete Carroll to be their new head coach, who then signed 34-year-old Geno Smith to a two-year, $75 million contract. So, just for his age alone, Cooper would be a good fit.
It would also be a full-circle singing for Cooper, who began his career in Oakland in 2015. And while he was traded away in 2018, it feels like enough time has passed for a homecoming to feel sweet for both sides.
And besides, Las Vegas needs receiver help. Outside of Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers, there isn’t much reliable production, which Cooper could be a quick fix for.
Leave a comment