The Las Vegas Raiders are reuniting with a familiar name as they continue reshaping their roster. On Monday, the team signed wide receiver Amari Cooper to a one-year, $5 million contract, giving new quarterback Geno Smith another weapon heading into the 2025 NFL season.
The move is part of a busy offseason in Las Vegas. The Raiders parted ways with head coach Antonio Pierce, hired veteran coach Pete Carroll, and brought in Smith to stabilize the quarterback position. Now, by adding Cooper back into the mix, the Raiders are signaling they’re serious about competing in the AFC playoff race.
NFL insider Jordan Schultz broke the news on X, confirming the five-time Pro Bowler will return to the franchise that originally drafted him. Cooper, selected fourth overall by the Raiders in 2015 out of Alabama, played his first four seasons with the team before being traded to the Dallas Cowboys in 2018.
BREAKING: The #Raiders are signing 5x Pro Bowl WR Amari Cooper to a 1-year deal, per multiple sources.
Big time addition for Geno Smith. pic.twitter.com/B9uM3721xR
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 25, 2025
Since then, Cooper has built a steady career with the Cowboys, Cleveland Browns, and most recently the Buffalo Bills. At 31, he is no longer in his prime but still brings reliable downfield ability, contested-catch skills, and veteran leadership to a Raiders receiving corps that needed a proven playmaker.
For Smith, who joins Las Vegas after a resurgence with the Seattle Seahawks, Cooper’s presence could prove vital. The receiver’s ability to stretch the field should complement the Raiders’ offensive scheme and ease pressure on younger targets, giving Smith an experienced option in critical situations.
The Raiders are also counting on tight end Brock Bowers, last year’s first-round pick out of Georgia, to continue his rapid development after a standout rookie campaign. Paired with star pass rusher Maxx Crosby anchoring the defense, the combination of emerging talent and veteran additions could help the Raiders climb out of the AFC’s lower tier.
Las Vegas opens the 2025 season on September 7 with a road matchup against the New England Patriots. With Carroll on the sidelines, Smith under center, and Cooper back in silver and black, the Raiders are betting that their mix of new leadership and old connections can finally push them back into contention.
