While not exactly shocking, Las Vegas Raiders legend Lincoln Kennedy recently spoke about former first-round pick Amari Cooper and a potential reunion.
July tends to see a plethora of rumors and outlandish takes—it’s the true “slow” period for NFL coverage. For example, you keep seeing publications linking the Raiders to multiple wide receivers. Among those names, you have Cooper.
If you recall, Cooper was a highly productive player for the Silver and Black. From the start, No. 89 amassed an impressive stat line in his first two seasons in Oakland. 2,223 receiving yards, 11 touchdowns, and 155 receptions—Cooper was a back-to-back Pro Bowler during that run as well. However, he experienced a significant drop in production after that, leading to Jon Gruden, the de facto leader of the Raiders, trading him away.
Let’s be honest, Cooper never seemed content. Whenever you saw him in a picture or on the sidelines, he just looked miserable—or at least that’s how many within Raider Nation remember him. Well, they aren’t alone, as former All-Pro Kennedy added to that notion recently. While appearing on the “Locked On Raiders Podcast,” Kennedy had shed some harsh truth on the former Raider.
“Let me preface this by saying that I remember when Amari was drafted. I was one of the first guys on the Raiders to interview him. I looked in his eyes and realized he didn’t want to be a Raider,” Kennedy stated. Indeed, it was not a particularly pleasant recollection for the former lineman. Still, you could argue that Cooper was a professional–even if he didn’t want to be there, he did his job and did it well.
“He didn’t enjoy his time in Oakland; that’s why he couldn’t wait to get out of there,” Kennedy continued. “He is not a good route-running receiver. That’s all Amari Cooper is—just a name. I don’t think they should do it.”
Kennedy always speaks candidly, and in this case, he is correct. Cooper’s outward expressions certainly support his claims. Conversely, Cooper has performed well wherever he has played. An offense led by Chip Kelly, featuring Cooper, Brock Bowers, Jakobi Meyers, and Ashton Jeanty, could be truly formidable.
*Top Photo: Getty Images