The Green Bay Packers made a bold move to bolster their wide receivers room in the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden in the first round (No. 23 overall), Jalen Coker in the second round, and Isaiah Wooden in the fourth. While this trio of rookies brings significant potential, their immediate contributions in Year 1 remain uncertain, prompting the need for a proven veteran to support quarterback Jordan Love.
To address this, the Packers could target former first-round draft pick Amari Cooper, one of the most high-profile free agents still available, as a short-term insurance policy for their young receiving corps.
"Cooper may not be the three-time Pro Bowler he once was with the Raiders, but he’s still a capable starting X receiver," a league source noted. "Signing him could provide Green Bay with stability while their rookies develop."
Concerns about Cooper’s decline emerged last season when the seven-time 1,000-yard receiver recorded a career-low 547 yards split between the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills, who acquired him midseason. However, Cooper missed three games, dealt with inconsistent quarterback play in Cleveland, and faced the challenge of adapting to Buffalo’s offense midyear. These factors suggest his struggles were more circumstantial than indicative of a steep decline.
Despite drafting Golden, Coker, and Wooden, the Packers could benefit from Cooper’s experience alongside Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs. His presence would allow the rookies—particularly Coker and Wooden—to take on smaller roles initially, giving them time to refine their skills without the pressure of starting. Even Golden, a first-round talent, could benefit from learning behind a veteran like Cooper as he transitions to the NFL.
Cooper would also bring healthy competition to training camp. If any of the rookies outperform him, it would signal a bright future for Green Bay’s receiving corps.
With a group featuring Cooper, Watson, Doubs, and the newly drafted trio, Love would have a dynamic and reliable set of targets to elevate the Packers’ passing game as he continues to grow as the franchise quarterback.
The Packers’ pursuit of Cooper will depend on his price tag and contract terms. Spotrac estimates he could command a two-year deal worth $18.9 million annually, but given the late stage of free agency, his age, and his lackluster 2024 season, that figure appears inflated. If Green Bay can sign Cooper to a one-year deal for significantly less—potentially half that amount or lower—it would be a cost-effective move to strengthen their roster and support their young draft picks.
