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James Brizuela is a contributing sports and entertainment writer located in Los Angeles. His focus is on Comics, Comic Book Movies, Video Games, NFL, and MMA. He has in-depth knowledge of the NFL as a whole, having been a fan for over 30 years, and covering the sports over the last six years. He also knows the ins and outs of the comics world, becoming an editor while covering everything DC and beyond on Comic Book Resources, Giant Freakin Robot, and Inside the Magic. James joined Newsweek in March 2024, having previously written NFL content for Sports Illustrated. He is a graduate of the University of California, Riverside. You can get in touch with James by emailing, j.brizuela@newsweek.com. You can find him at X @james_brizuela.
James Brizuela
Contributing Writer
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Just hours after star Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers requested a trade, the team is bringing back a fan-favorite playmaker.
More news: Report: Raiders’ Jakobi Meyers Requests Trade in Shocking Roster Twist
Reunion: Former #Bills WR Amari Cooper, one of the NFL’s top free agents still available, is signing with the #Raiders on a 1-year deal, per source.
Some late, big-time pass-catching help for the team that once drafted him in the first round. pic.twitter.com/pWCjmWzCmv
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 25, 2025
Former Raiders star Amari Cooper is returning to the Raiders on a one-year deal. Following his initial stint with Las Vegas between the 2015 and 2018 seasons, Cooper returns to the team that drafted him.
Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
More news: Bears Roster Purge Includes Former Seahawks Star Defender
Cooper was drafted by the Raiders in the 2015 NFL Draft out of Alabama. The first-round pick exploded into the NFL, bringing in 1,070 yards and being named to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season.sa
Cooper followed that up with 1,153 yards and five touchdowns in his second season. Sadly, an ankle injury would hamper his 2017 season, which was then followed by his being traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
Cooper would then spend the next four seasons with the Cowboys, picking up two more 1,000+ yard seasons. He was then traded to the Cleveland Browns in 2022, where he posted two more 1,000+ yard seasons.
Cooper remained a top wideout through the 2023 season, but saw a dip in his production after once again being traded, this time to the Buffalo Bills. The 2024 season saw him secure 547 yards and four touchdowns.
Cooper has remained one of the top free agents available, and he now rejoins the team that drafted him.
What is interesting is if the Raiders plan to allow Meyers the chance to play for a new team, hence bringing in Cooper on a one-year deal. They might have found his replacement already, but having Cooper and Meyers on the field together would be huge.
Of course, this means the Raiders would have to pay Meyers, as he is seeking a new deal past the $10 million he is set to make in 2025.
Either way, the Raiders are set to sign a good offensive weapon for Geno Smith.
For more on the Raiders, head to Newsweek Sports.