If you’re looking for Amari Cooper on an NFL roster this Sunday, you won't find him. It’s wild to think about, honestly. One of the most technically sound route-runners of the last decade just... stopped.
Where is Amari Cooper today? He's officially retired. He isn't holding out for a better contract, and he isn't stashed on an Injured Reserve list waiting for a playoff run. On September 4, 2025, just days before the season opener, Cooper informed the Las Vegas Raiders—the team that originally drafted him fourth overall back in 2015—that he was hanging up the cleats for good.
The Sudden Goodbye in Las Vegas
Most people expected a "last dance" scenario. After a somewhat quiet stint with the Buffalo Bills in late 2024, Cooper hit free agency and signed a one-year deal to return to the Raiders in late August 2025. It felt like a perfect full-circle moment.
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Then, nine days later, the news dropped. No desire left. That’s basically what it came down to. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Cooper struggled to get his body back to game readiness during that short stint in training camp. When you’ve played 10 seasons and your game is built on precise, explosive movements, you know when the "juice" is gone. Instead of dragging it out and taking a roster spot from a younger guy, he walked.
A Career by the Numbers
Cooper leaves the game with some seriously heavy stats. You're talking about a guy who was the model of consistency for a long time.
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- Total Receiving Yards: 10,033
- Total Touchdowns: 64
- Pro Bowls: 5
- Seasons with 1,000+ yards: 7
Think about that. Only 17 players in the entire history of the NFL have hit seven or more 1,000-yard seasons in their first decade. He’s in a room with Mike Evans and Julio Jones in terms of production since 2015.
The Buffalo Chapter
People often forget how weird his 2024 season was. He started in Cleveland, then got traded to the Bills in Week 7. Everyone thought Josh Allen finally had his true WR1. He even caught a touchdown in his first game with Buffalo against the Titans. But a wrist injury slowed him down, and he ended up with just 20 catches for 297 yards in those eight games. The Bills decided to move on with younger guys like Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir for the 2025 season, which eventually led Amari back to the Raiders.
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Why People Still Talk About Him
There’s always been this weird narrative around Amari Cooper. Critics called him "quiet" or said he lacked intensity because he didn't scream at his quarterbacks or dance after every first down.
In reality, his game was like chess. He didn't need to be the loudest person in the room because his footwork did the talking. Whether it was with Dak Prescott in Dallas—where he put up nearly 3,900 yards in 56 games—or carrying the Browns' offense with a carousel of quarterbacks, Cooper was the ultimate professional.
What’s Next for the Route Runner?
Since his retirement became official in September 2025, Cooper has mostly stayed out of the spotlight. He’s always been a private guy, focusing on his craft rather than his "brand."
He finishes his career having earned over $138 million in on-field salary alone. He’s set. While some fans are still holding out hope for a mid-season comeback if a contender loses a receiver, all signs from his camp suggest he is content with his decision. He went out on his own terms, which is a rarity in a league that usually replaces you before you’re ready to go.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Monitor the Raiders' Depth Chart: With Cooper gone, the Raiders are leaning heavily on Jakobi Meyers and young players like Tre Tucker and Dont'e Thornton Jr.
- Review Hall of Fame Trajectories: While 10,000 yards is a massive milestone, Cooper's lack of "All-Pro" selections might make his Hall of Fame case a long-term debate for voters.
- Watch the 2026 Draft: Expect the Raiders and Bills to be aggressive in looking for that "Cooper-style" technician in the upcoming draft, as that specific skill set is hard to replace in modern offenses.