Amari Cooper’s NFL Future in Question After Being Labeled ‘Finished’ Post-Cowboys Era

Amari Cooper’s journey through the NFL has been a testament to talent, resilience, and determination. Once considered one of the premier wide receivers in the league, the former Dallas Cowboys star has now found himself in a troubling position. After a less-than-stellar finish to his time with the Cowboys, Cooper has been labeled by some as “finished,” sparking questions about his future in the NFL. As the 2025 season approaches, fans and analysts alike are left wondering whether Cooper can recapture his former glory or whether his best days are behind him.

The Rise of Amari Cooper: A Star Is Born

Amari Cooper entered the NFL with great expectations. Drafted 4th overall by the Oakland Raiders in 2015, Cooper quickly became a force in the league. His combination of speed, route-running precision, and hands made him an immediate impact player. Over his first few seasons with the Raiders, Cooper posted impressive numbers, including a Pro Bowl selection in his rookie year and back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons in 2016 and 2017.

However, despite his individual success, the Raiders were unable to find sustained team success. Frustrations grew, and in 2018, Cooper was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, a move that would ultimately define much of his career. The trade proved to be a turning point for both Cooper and the Cowboys, as he helped elevate the team’s offense to another level. In his first full season with Dallas, Cooper posted 1,189 receiving yards and eight touchdowns, earning another Pro Bowl selection and solidifying his status as one of the top wide receivers in the league.

His rapport with quarterback Dak Prescott seemed to unlock a new dimension of the Cowboys’ passing attack, and many believed Cooper was a key component in Dallas’ future plans. But as the years went on, cracks began to show, and questions about Cooper’s consistency started to emerge.

The Decline: A Frustrating 2021-2022 Stretch

Despite his obvious talent, Cooper’s time with the Cowboys was not without its struggles. The 2021 season was a difficult one for the entire Cowboys’ offense. While Prescott’s return from injury in 2020 sparked optimism, the following year saw inconsistency. Cooper was still able to put up decent numbers, finishing the season with 865 yards and eight touchdowns, but he struggled with injuries and had several key drop-offs in production at critical points.

His decline, however, was more pronounced in 2022. After a solid start to the year, Cooper’s numbers dipped drastically. At times, he seemed out of sync with Prescott, and the Cowboys’ offense often looked one-dimensional. Critics began to point out that Cooper’s once-reliable hands had begun to falter, and his route-running, though still sharp, lacked the explosiveness it had once had. The frustration reached its peak when the Cowboys’ offense faltered in the playoffs, and Cooper failed to step up in pivotal moments.

The decision to part ways with Cooper became inevitable. Amid salary cap concerns and the rise of younger receiving talent on the roster, the Cowboys decided to trade Cooper to the Cleveland Browns in a blockbuster move for the 2022 season. The trade marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career, but one that would only amplify the doubts surrounding his future.

The Cleveland Browns Era: Unmet Expectations

After being traded to the Cleveland Browns, Cooper was once again given a chance to prove himself as a top-tier wide receiver. The Browns had a promising roster, with young quarterback Baker Mayfield at the helm and a solid ground game led by Nick Chubb. Many believed Cooper could be the missing piece to give Cleveland’s offense a dynamic boost, especially with the possibility of more consistent quarterback play.

Unfortunately for Cooper, things did not go as planned in Cleveland. While he posted solid numbers in his first season with the Browns, including over 1,100 yards and nine touchdowns, the team’s inconsistency plagued him. Mayfield was benched midway through the season, and Cooper was forced to adapt to a revolving door of quarterbacks, including Jacoby Brissett and eventually Deshaun Watson. The lack of stability at quarterback hurt Cooper’s ability to maintain a rhythm, and his performance began to reflect the inconsistency of his surroundings.

The Browns, as a team, also failed to meet expectations in 2022, finishing with a disappointing record and missing the playoffs. For Cooper, it was another season in which his potential was hindered by factors beyond his control. However, the whispers about his diminishing abilities began to grow louder. Critics pointed to his inability to take over games when his team needed him most, particularly in high-pressure situations.

The Label of ‘Finished’: A Turning Point

As the 2023 NFL season approached, rumors about Cooper’s future started to swirl. Many analysts and former players began to question whether Cooper, now 30 years old, still had what it took to be a top receiver in the league. The term “finished” began to be used more frequently when discussing his career trajectory.

One of the main arguments against Cooper was his inability to perform at an elite level during the critical moments of games. While still capable of catching passes and moving the chains, he was no longer the game-breaking receiver he once was. The speed that made him such a dangerous deep threat had diminished, and his ability to create separation from defenders seemed limited. There were also concerns about his health, as injuries seemed to be taking a toll on his body.

The Browns, too, were uncertain about his long-term fit with the team. They were already in a precarious position with Watson’s huge contract and the team’s need to build around him. As the team began to explore other options, Cooper found himself in limbo. His contract situation didn’t help either—he was due to make significant money in the coming years, and many teams were wary of taking on that financial commitment, especially if his level of play continued to decline.

The Future: A Question Mark

So, what does the future hold for Amari Cooper? At this juncture, it’s hard to say. On one hand, his immense talent and track record cannot be ignored. He’s still capable of making plays and stretching the field, and on any given Sunday, he could break out for a huge performance. But at 30, and with multiple seasons of inconsistent play, Cooper may have already peaked.

Teams are more focused than ever on younger, faster players who can impact the game in multiple ways. The emergence of young wide receivers such as Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and CeeDee Lamb has raised the bar for what is expected of top-tier pass-catchers in the league. As a result, the NFL has become a league that values explosiveness, speed, and playmaking ability more than ever before. And while Cooper once embodied those qualities, his struggles with injuries and age have raised doubts about whether he can keep up with the new generation of wide receivers.

That said, Cooper could still have a role in the NFL, but it may no longer be as the star No. 1 receiver he once was. It’s possible he could find a new home as a reliable second or third option, offering veteran experience and a steady hand to help mentor younger receivers. Teams like the New England Patriots or the Arizona Cardinals, who are rebuilding and in need of leadership at the wide receiver position, could be interested in adding Cooper on a short-term deal. However, the days of him being a franchise centerpiece are likely behind him.

Conclusion: A Career in Transition

Amari Cooper’s career, once filled with promise and potential, now stands at a crossroads. The label of “finished” may seem harsh, but it highlights the reality that his future in the NFL is uncertain. Cooper’s best years may be behind him, but his talent is undeniable. Whether he can adapt to a reduced role or find a new home that fits his skill set will determine how his career unfolds in the coming years.

For now, Amari Cooper must come to terms with the reality of his career’s next chapter. The league is evolving, and the competition for playing time and recognition has never been fiercer. If he can prove that he still has the ability to contribute at a high level, Cooper may yet find success in the twilight of his career. But if his struggles continue, his NFL future may indeed be over.

Only time will tell whether Amari Cooper can recapture the magic that once made him a star or whether he will fade into the background as a player who was once great but ultimately finished.