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Riley Cooper has officially been released by the Philadelphia Eagles and new head coach Doug Pederson. Cooper was once a strong second receiver for the team, but he fizzled out over the last couple of seasons. Cooper is still a good depth player, and he should garner some interest on the free agent market. Here’s a look at five teams that may be interested in signing him.
5. Houston Texans
Getty ImagesThe Texans really do not have much at the wide receiver position outside of DeAndre Hopkins. The team may be interested in adding Cooper as a depth guy just to see what he could do in Bill O’Brien’s offense. Whoever the Texans would play at quarterback could utilize Cooper’s big frame to make him a jump ball receiver which could pay dividends for the team. The Texans have also signed many veteran receivers over the last couple of years like Cecil Shorts and Nate Washington, so taking a chance on Cooper may fit their organizational goals.
4. Atlanta Falcons
Getty ImagesThe Falcons need to look into finding a replacement for Roddy White, and Cooper would make sense. Cooper could play behind White and possibly take more snaps from him as the season goes along. Playing him on the outside would allow the Falcons to see what they have in the slot in Justin Hardy and give them extra depth at the position. Besides, Devin Hester and Eric Weems are best off serving as return men anyway.
3. New England Patriots
Getty ImagesLast season, the Patriots experienced life without offensive weapons. It was not pretty. The team needs to add some depth to their roster, and Cooper would be a logical fit. Tom Brady is usually successful when throwing to big targets (see: Brandon LaFell), and he may like to have a guy of Cooper’s stature around. Cooper could ultimately replace LaFell and function as the team’s third receiver.
2. Los Angeles Rams
Getty ImagesWho was the quarterback for the Eagles during Cooper’s best season? It was Nick Foles. Foles has had trouble adjusting to the offense in Los Angeles (St. Louis), but he may get one more shot at quarterbacking if the team cannot move him. Cooper would be a big target for Foles, which is something he has not really been able to find with the Rams. He may even develop into a No. 2 receiver across from Tavon Austin.
1. San Francisco 49ers
Getty ImagesThe best place for Cooper to land would be with his former head coach. Although Cooper saw less playing time last season with the Eagles, he did have the best season of his career under Chip Kelly in 2013 when he had 835 yards and eight touchdowns on the season. Cooper may be able to rekindle some of his magic in Kelly’s system in San Francisco, and the team does need some receiver help. Anquan Boldin is an old free agent and Torrey Smith has not lived up to his billing thus far with the team. Aside from that, the cupboard is bare. Cooper would at least give the 49ers a proven depth option who knows the offense, so this is the landing spot that makes the most sense.
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