It is the feeling of many that if the Green Bay Packers want to take their play to the next level, they will need to bring in a No. 1 wide receiver. The expectation should be that they will explore every avenue available to do so.
Many have focused on Seattle Seahawks star DK Metcalf following his trade request. Seattle is reportedly asking for a first- and third-round pick.
However, there is another option on the free-agent market the Packers must consider: Amari Cooper.
Cooper may not be the elite caliber player that Metcalf is, but he can still provide consistent play and lead the receiving corps.
Prior to last season's disappointing campaign with the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills, Cooper posted 1,000-plus yards in five of six seasons, dating back to his time with the then-Oakland Raiders. This averages out to 77 receptions for 1,097 yards and seven touchdowns per season from 2018-2023.
Amari Cooper is a more affordable DK Metcalf alternative the Packers should target
At 30 years old, Cooper may only have a few more productive years left in him, but that just so happens to align with the current competitive timeline in Green Bay. The Packers are a good team, but there is still room to grow to close the gap between themselves and the NFC's best. Bringing Cooper into the mix offensively would help elevate their production and could result in them representing the NFC in the season's final game relatively quickly.
The only concern is Cooper's 2024 production. Between Cleveland and Buffalo, he finished with just 44 receptions for 547 yards and four touchdowns, the lowest single-season totals for these statistical categories in his career. Considering how consistent he had been up to this point, this can most likely be attributed to the Browns being a complete disaster and the midseason trade to Buffalo.
The Packers should not completely disregard last season, but more weight should be placed on who he has proven to be over multiple years rather than only what transpired last year. Green Bay would greatly benefit from having a reliable veteran, which could be the difference between last year's result and being the last team standing at the end of the season.