Redskins: The case for and against signing Amari Cooper
The case for signing Amari Cooper
Everything I mentioned before about the Redskins offense, replay that in your head for about the next 30 seconds.
The Redskins offense is putrid. Blame it on injuries. Blame it on a rookie quarterback. Heck, you can even blame it on the Trent Williams saga if it makes you feel better.
Wherever you feel the blame is necessary, I’m not going to be the one to tell you that you are wrong. What I will say is that if all things worked out in the most positive way for the ‘Skins, their offense would still be mediocre at best.
JP Finlay of NBCSports Washington has made this point several times: This Washington Redskins team doesn’t have elite talent at just about any position.
Washington Commanders
The Redskins are at a lack of true, game-changers. Maybe the youngsters on both sides of the ball going into this season will turn over a new leaf. But overall, this Redskins roster desperately needs somebody to provide a long-term spark.
The 25-year-old wide receiver from what is seeming to be Dan Snyder’s favorite college, the University of Alabama, is now entering the heart of his prime as a four-time Pro Bowler.
Cooper is coming off back to back 1,000-yard receiving seasons with at least seven touchdowns in each of the last two seasons, while simultaneously posting catch percentages of at least 67 percent in that time frame. It’s safe to say Cooper is here to stay among the NFL’s best receivers for years to come.
The numbers scream that this is exactly what the doctor ordered for the Redskins offense. Cooper has an insane big-play ability. It rivals the NFL’s elite. He can take top off of the defense or turn a 5-yard slant into a 60-yard touchdown.
While Cooper might be expensive, there’s no question he possesses multiple attributes to continue his success in the NFL now after five seasons in the league.
His progression has been evident as his catch percentages have gone up and drops have been down. He’s beginning to enter his prime and become a problem for teams across the league for years to come.
Cooper’s route running rivals some of the best who do it in the NFL, and after being listed in the NFL’s top 100 rankings each of the last two seasons, his peers recognize what we all see. Amari is beginning to come up in conversations when talking about the leagues’ absolute best at his position.
Cooper, especially over the last two seasons, has been one of the true game-changing, elite players that the Redskins have lacked. With a career-long reception of 90 yards, over 110 first down catches, nearly 300 yards after the catch in each of the last two seasons, Cooper provides all the spark, consistency, and big-play ability needed from your No. 1 wide receiver.
The Redskins are looking for a veteran presence at the wide receiver position. Cooper is that. Now entering his sixth NFL season, Cooper has progressed and maintained success since becoming a Dallas Cowboy. Even during his Oakland tenure, his first two seasons as a Raider, Coop posted over 1,000 yardswhile also receiving Pro Bowl nods.
Bringing in Amari Cooper will enhance the Washington Redskins passing game like no other, it will bring versatility to a receiver position that needs it, while simultaneously elevating just about everyone on the roster do to his game-changing ability.
Despite the money that the Cooper camp will command, he will be worth it. There are no guarantees in football but this is as close to a guarantee as you can get from a rising star.